Related Experiment Videos
[Histoplasmosis in immunodepressed patients: study of 18 cases seen in Uberlândia, MG]
A S Borges1, M S Ferreira, M T Silvestre
1Centro de Ciências Biomédicas da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, MG, Brasil.
Abstract:
The diagnosis of histoplasmosis was made by isolation of Histoplasma capsulatum from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood and bone marrow or by histopathologic (biopsy or post mortem) examination. The mean age of the patients was 35.8 years; 13 patients were male (72.2%). The disease was disseminated, with the following distribution:skin (38.8%), bone marrow (27.7%), nasopharyngeal mucosa (22.2%), lungs (22.2%), colon (11.1%), central nervous system (5.5%) and esophagus (5.5%). Adenomegaly (50%), hepatomegaly (77.7%) and splenomegaly (61.1%) were frequently seen. The most common hematologic abnormality was pancytopenia (33.3%) of the patients. Eleven patients were treated, 9 with amphotericin B and 2 with itraconazole. Eight had good clinical improvement and all of them were given amphotericin B or a triazolic as maintenance therapy. This study emphasize the importance of this mycosis in immunodepressed patients, specially AIDS patients, in whom the infection tends to invade the macrophagic-lymphoid system and preferentially the cutaneous tegument.
Insights
Histoplasmosis diagnosis relies on isolating Histoplasma capsulatum or histopathology. This fungal infection frequently affects immunocompromised patients, particularly those with AIDS, often presenting with skin lesions.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Context:
- Histoplasmosis is a systemic fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum.
- Diagnosis relies on microbiological culture or histopathology of affected tissues.
- The study focuses on disseminated histoplasmosis in a specific patient cohort.
Purpose:
- To describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of disseminated histoplasmosis.
- To highlight diagnostic methods and treatment responses.
- To emphasize the significance of this mycosis in immunocompromised populations.
Summary:
- Diagnosis was confirmed via culture of Histoplasma capsulatum from bodily fluids or histopathology.
- The study observed disseminated disease with frequent skin, bone marrow, and lymph node involvement.
- Common clinical findings included hepatosplenomegaly and pancytopenia.
- Treatment with amphotericin B or itraconazole led to good clinical improvement in most patients.
Impact:
- This research underscores the importance of recognizing histoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients, especially those with AIDS.
- Findings suggest a predilection for cutaneous and lymphoreticular system invasion in this patient group.
- Effective treatment strategies involve amphotericin B or azoles, with maintenance therapy crucial for recovery.