Histoplasmosis of the gallbladder

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection typically affecting the lungs.
• Gallbladder involvement in histoplasmosis is exceptionally rare.
• Disseminated histoplasmosis can affect multiple organs, even in immunocompetent individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report an unusual case of cholecystitis caused by disseminated histoplasmosis.
• To highlight the potential for Histoplasma capsulatum to affect the gallbladder.
• To emphasize the importance of considering rare diagnoses in unexplained presentations.

Main Methods:

• Case report presentation.
• Review of clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment.
• Histopathological examination of gallbladder tissue.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with cholecystitis.
• Progressive, disseminated histoplasmosis was diagnosed.
• Histoplasma capsulatum was identified as the causative agent.

Conclusions:

• Gallbladder histoplasmosis, though rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cholecystitis, particularly in endemic areas or in patients with disseminated disease.
• This case underscores the diverse clinical manifestations of histoplasmosis.
• Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing disseminated fungal infections.