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Acute histoplasmosis: a modern appraisal
Boletin De La Asociacion Medica De Puerto Rico
|March 1, 1989
Summary
Acute histoplasmosis, a lung infection from bat guano exposure, is difficult to diagnose. Early ketoconazole treatment effectively controls this endemic disease in Puerto Rico.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Acute histoplasmosis is an underdiagnosed pulmonary illness prevalent in Puerto Rico.
- Exposure to endemic fungi, such as Histoplasma, can cause acute respiratory disease.
Observation:
- Two cases of acute histoplasmosis following bat guano exposure in a tunnel are presented.
- Diagnostic challenges include negative cultures and biopsies, common in this condition.
- Serial serum complement fixation titers were crucial for diagnosing recent infection.
Findings:
- Ketoconazole administered orally provided rapid and effective symptom control.
- The study highlights the efficacy of antifungal therapy in managing acute histoplasmosis.
Implications:
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment with ketoconazole are recommended for acute histoplasmosis.
- Extended treatment courses (at least two months) may be necessary for persistent symptoms.