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[Disseminated Histoplasma capsulatum histoplasmosis in African AIDS patients (3 cases)]
P Imbert1, I Poizot-Martin, J P Lacour
1Service de Pathologie Infectieuse et Tropicale, Hôpital d'Instruction des Armées LAVERAN, Marseille, France.
Abstract:
The authors describe three cases of Histoplasma capsulatum histoplasmosis that occurred in black AIDS patients living in France but originally from Guinea and Ivory Coast. In all three cases histoplasmosis was disseminated with fever. In two cases there were cutaneous manifestations. One patient had renal insufficiency and nephrotic syndrome and another presented ulcerative colitis with histoplasma in the chorion. The outcome was favorable in two patients. These three cases are in addition to the five previously reported cases in african AIDS patients. These cases stress the need for awareness of this opportunistic infection as a complication of AIDS in patients from Black Africa.
Insights
Histoplasmosis, a fungal infection, is an opportunistic complication in Black patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) from Africa. Increased awareness is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment of disseminated histoplasmosis in this population.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) predisposes individuals to opportunistic infections.
- Histoplasma capsulatum is a fungus endemic in certain regions, causing histoplasmosis.
Observation:
- Three cases of disseminated Histoplasma capsulatum histoplasmosis are presented in Black patients with AIDS residing in France, originating from Guinea and Ivory Coast.
- Clinical manifestations included fever, cutaneous involvement, renal insufficiency with nephrotic syndrome, and ulcerative colitis.
Findings:
- Disseminated histoplasmosis occurred in all three patients, with favorable outcomes in two.
- These cases add to the previously reported five cases in African AIDS patients, highlighting a pattern of this infection in this demographic.
Implications:
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for histoplasmosis in Black patients with AIDS originating from endemic African regions.
- Early recognition and management of disseminated histoplasmosis are vital for improving patient outcomes in immunocompromised individuals.