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Disseminated histoplasmosis with skin manifestations in advanced HIV: Case report
Francisco Arreola-Banda, Olivia López-Lachica1, Guillermo García-Maldonado1
1Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Hospital General de Zona No. 33, Servicio de Medicina Interna. Monterrey, Nuevo León, México.
Background:
Histoplasmosis is a systemic mycosis caused by the agent Histoplasma capsulatum. Its clinical manifestations depend on the inhaled fungal load and can vary from an asymptomatic infection (90%) to a disseminated disease, especially in HIV infections and a CD4 T lymphocyte count of less than 150 cells. Its initial symptoms are nonspecific, including fever, weight loss, dry cough, and chest pain. It spreads to other organs, with the skin being a rare site where lesions of wide polymorphism are observed. The disseminated form requires a high index of suspicion and must be differentiated from other common pathologies in patients with advanced HIV infection such as pulmonary tuberculosis.
Clinic Case:
A 33-year-old male with a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS C3, pulmonary tuberculosis and dermatosis of 9 months' evolution, with poor adherence to treatment who died of complications secondary to disseminated histoplasmosis.
Conclusion:
Histoplasmosis is a common opportunistic mycosis in patients with advanced HIV disease, especially in endemic areas, so it's recommended to start an early diagnostic protocol and raise awareness of the importance of adherence to treatment, due to the rapid progression of the disseminated variant and its high mortality.
Insights
Disseminated histoplasmosis is a fatal opportunistic infection in advanced HIV/AIDS patients, often presenting with nonspecific symptoms and skin lesions. Early diagnosis and treatment adherence are crucial for survival.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Histoplasmosis, a systemic mycosis caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, presents variably from asymptomatic to disseminated disease.
- Disseminated histoplasmosis is particularly aggressive in individuals with advanced HIV/AIDS and low CD4 counts (<150 cells).
- Initial symptoms are nonspecific (fever, weight loss, cough), and skin manifestations can be diverse.
Observation:
- A case of a 33-year-old male with advanced HIV/AIDS (C3), pulmonary tuberculosis, and dermatosis is presented.
- The patient had a history of poor treatment adherence over 9 months.
- The patient died due to complications arising from disseminated histoplasmosis.
Findings:
- Disseminated histoplasmosis requires a high index of suspicion in HIV-infected patients.
- Differential diagnosis must include other common opportunistic infections like pulmonary tuberculosis.
- Poor adherence to treatment significantly increases mortality risk.
Implications:
- Histoplasmosis is a critical opportunistic infection in advanced HIV/AIDS, especially in endemic regions.
- Early diagnostic protocols and patient education on treatment adherence are vital.
- Prompt recognition and management can mitigate the high mortality associated with disseminated histoplasmosis.
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