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Published on: February 14, 2011

Isolated Histoplasma capsulatum meningoencephalitis in an immunocompetent child

Zachary D Threlkeld1, Robert Broughton, Gulam Q Khan

  • 1Department of Neurology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536-0281, USA.

Journal of Child Neurology
|January 14, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Central nervous system histoplasmosis is rare in immunocompetent individuals. This case highlights an immunocompetent teen with atypical histoplasma meningoencephalitis, emphasizing the need for high diagnostic suspicion.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Central nervous system (CNS) histoplasmosis typically affects immunocompromised patients with disseminated disease.
  • Neurologic histoplasmosis can rarely present as an isolated syndrome in immunocompetent individuals.
  • Diagnosis of CNS histoplasmosis is often challenging, requiring a high index of suspicion.

Observation:

  • A 13-year-old immunocompetent female presented with atypical symptoms and unusual radiologic findings.
  • Laboratory confirmation identified the cause as histoplasma meningoencephalitis.

Findings:

  • The patient's presentation was atypical for histoplasmosis, with unique radiologic findings.
  • Despite the unusual presentation, the diagnosis of histoplasma meningoencephalitis was confirmed through laboratory testing.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for CNS histoplasmosis, even in immunocompetent patients.
  • Early diagnosis and prompt antifungal therapy are crucial for favorable outcomes in histoplasma meningoencephalitis.
  • The findings suggest that atypical presentations of histoplasmosis in the CNS may occur in immunocompetent individuals, necessitating broader diagnostic considerations.

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