[African histoplamosis. A report of three pediatric cases]

Histoplasmosis duboisii (Histoplasma capsulatum var duboisii) is uncommon disease especially in children. It is observed in Africa where the incidence is unknown. The authors report a series of three pediatric cases. The report concerned 2 girls and one boy who were 3, 9 and 4 year-old, respectively. Symptoms evolved for more than two months in each case. At admission, we found fever and poor general condition. Observed lesions were lymphnodes localisation disseminated (cases 1 and 2), subcutaneous (cold abscess) and cutaneous simulating molluscum contagiosum (case 2), osteoarticular (cases 2 and 3), abdominal including peritoneal and hepatosplenic (case 1). In all cases, a mild leukocytosis was found and an accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) greater than 70mm. The HIV serology was negative. The treatment consisted of itraconazole in 2 cases and ketoconazole in one case. The evolution was insidious, leading to the discharge against medical advice. The death occurred at home in all cases.

Histoplasmosis duboisii can realize two main clinical presentations (localized or disseminated), affecting the skin, lymph nodes, bones, sometimes the intra-abdominal organs. HIV serology is not always positive in disseminated forms. The evolution is unpredictable and capricious under antifungal treatment. The disease should be well explained to prevent a possible discharge against medical advice, often pejorative.