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Disseminated histoplasmosis in an immunocompetent pediatric patient

Selene Pury1, María S Álvarez2, Sebastián Caliva Agüero3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics; Hospital Infantil, Córdoba, Argentina.

Archivos Argentinos De Pediatria
|November 29, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Disseminated histoplasmosis, a serious fungal infection, can affect immunocompetent children. Early recognition of fever, enlarged spleen and liver, and low blood counts is crucial for prompt treatment and improved outcomes in endemic areas.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Case Study

Background:

  • Histoplasmosis is an endemic fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, posing significant risks in pediatric populations.
  • Disseminated histoplasmosis presents a high morbidity and mortality rate in children, necessitating prompt diagnosis and management.

Observation:

  • A 3-year-old immunocompetent female patient presented with prolonged fever and hepatosplenomegaly.
  • Laboratory findings included normocytic anemia and leukopenia.
  • Diagnostic confirmation was achieved through lymph node biopsy, revealing granulomatous lymphadenitis with intracellular yeast-like elements.

Findings:

  • Histoplasma capsulatum was identified through culture and histopathology.
  • The patient received Amphotericin B treatment (1 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks).
  • A favorable clinical outcome was observed following treatment.

Implications:

  • Disseminated histoplasmosis should be suspected in pediatric patients from endemic regions presenting with fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and cytopenias.
  • Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to improve prognosis and reduce mortality.
  • This case highlights the importance of considering endemic fungal infections in pediatric febrile illnesses.
Keywords:
Histoplasma capsulatumchildhistoplasmosis

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