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Passive Administration of Monoclonal Antibodies Against H. capsulatum and Others Fungal Pathogens
09:57

Passive Administration of Monoclonal Antibodies Against H. capsulatum and Others Fungal Pathogens

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[Disseminated histoplasmosis in children]

G Ramón-García1, Y R Peña-Alonso, P G Ontiveros-Nevares

  • 1Departamento de Patología, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, México, D.F.

Boletin Medico Del Hospital Infantil De Mexico
|December 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Disseminated histoplasmosis is a severe fungal infection primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals, children, and the elderly. Autopsy findings revealed malnutrition as a key factor in lethal cases among children in endemic regions.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Context:

  • Disseminated histoplasmosis is a severe, rare fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum.
  • It predominantly affects immunocompromised individuals, young children, and the elderly.
  • An autopsy review identified eight lethal cases over eight years at a children's hospital.

Purpose:

  • To analyze autopsy findings of lethal disseminated histoplasmosis in children.
  • To identify risk factors and affected organs in pediatric cases.
  • To emphasize the importance of clinical symptoms and environmental factors for diagnosis.

Summary:

  • Eight pediatric cases of lethal disseminated histoplasmosis were identified via autopsy.
  • All affected children were malnourished; some had primary or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
  • Lungs, liver, and spleen were the most frequently impacted organs, with diagnosis often postmortem.

Impact:

  • Highlights malnutrition as a critical factor in severe pediatric histoplasmosis.
  • Underscores the diagnostic challenges, with most cases identified postmortem.
  • Stresses the need for considering clinical and environmental data for early diagnosis and management in endemic areas.

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