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Passive Administration of Monoclonal Antibodies Against H. capsulatum and Others Fungal Pathogens
09:57

Passive Administration of Monoclonal Antibodies Against H. capsulatum and Others Fungal Pathogens

Published on: February 14, 2011

[Imported cases of histoplasmosis]

Laurent Nyffenegger1, Mohamed Abbas, Grégoire Gex

  • 1Service des maladies infectieuses, HUG, Genève 14. laurent.nyffenegger@hcuge.ch

Revue Medicale Suisse
|January 8, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection, often opportunistic in HIV patients. Prompt antifungal and antiretroviral treatment is crucial for disseminated, life-threatening cases, especially with global travel.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Context:

  • Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection with two variants, capsulatum and duboisii, found in specific global regions.
  • It can be opportunistic in individuals with HIV and is rare but imported into Europe.
  • In immunocompetent individuals, infection is often asymptomatic or causes mild pulmonary symptoms.

Purpose:

  • To describe the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of histoplasmosis.
  • To highlight the importance of considering imported fungal infections in a globalized world.

Summary:

  • Histoplasmosis presents differently in immunocompetent versus immunocompromised individuals.
  • Disseminated histoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients is life-threatening and requires immediate antifungal and highly active antiretroviral therapy.
  • Diagnosis is primarily through cultures.

Impact:

  • Emphasizes the need for awareness of exotic diseases in non-endemic areas, particularly for travelers and immunocompromised populations.
  • Underscores the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment for severe histoplasmosis cases.
  • Highlights the role of globalization in the spread of infectious diseases.

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