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Acalculous Cholecystitis Due to Histoplasma capsulatum in a Patient With HIV Infection

Takashi Shinha1, Gary Zabarsky1

  • 1Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN.

ACG Case Reports Journal
|July 24, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Acalculous cholecystitis, often seen in critically ill patients, can occur in individuals with HIV infection. This case highlights Histoplasma capsulatum as a rare cause of this condition in an HIV-positive patient.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Gastroenterology
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Acalculous cholecystitis is typically associated with critically ill patients.
  • Opportunistic infections are a concern in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.
  • Biliary tract involvement by Histoplasma capsulatum is infrequent.

Observation:

  • The study presents a case of acalculous cholecystitis in a patient with HIV infection.
  • The causative agent identified was Histoplasma capsulatum.
  • This represents an uncommon presentation of disseminated histoplasmosis.

Findings:

  • Histoplasma capsulatum can cause acalculous cholecystitis in HIV-infected individuals.
  • Early recognition is crucial for appropriate management of AIDS-related acalculous cholecystitis.
  • This case expands the spectrum of known opportunistic pathogens involved in HIV-associated gallbladder disease.

Implications:

  • Gastroenterologists should consider Histoplasma capsulatum in the differential diagnosis of acalculous cholecystitis in HIV patients.
  • Timely diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes for patients with opportunistic infections affecting the biliary system.
  • Further research may elucidate the mechanisms and prevalence of fungal infections in HIV-related gallbladder pathology.

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