Disseminated histoplasmosis presenting with oral lesions - report of a case

A case of disseminated histoplasmosis is presented in which the initial diagnosis was made on the histology from oral lesions. The clinical and microscopical differential diagnoses are discussed. Including the present case, 12 of the 13 subjects with disseminated histoplasmosis initially diagnosed in Great Britain have given a history of residence in an area where the disease is endemic. Many years of good health may intervene between the original infection and its subsequent reactivation. A diminished cellular immune response may precipitate this reactivation but could also facilitate the possibility of exogenous reinfection. The literature is reviewed.