Pneumonia and mesenteric lymphadenopathy caused by disseminated Penicillium marneffei infection in a cadaveric renal transplant recipient

A38-year-old cadaveric kidney transplant recipient presented with fever, pneumonia, and mesenteric lymphadenopathy 9 months after transplant. Blood culture, bone marrow culture, and fine-needle aspiration cytology of mesenteric lymph nodes confirmed the diagnosis of disseminated Penicillium marneffei infection. He recovered after receiving parenteral amphotericin B followed by oral itraconazole therapy. P. marneffei infection is a dimorphic fungal opportunistic infection endemic in Southeast Asia, southern China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. It has been well reported in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients in the endemic areas, and also in other immunocompromised patients. This diagnosis must be considered for all febrile transplant recipients who have the relevant clinical features and travel history to Southeast Asia. Prompt treatment with anti-fungal therapy improves the survival and outcome of these patients.     

Human Chromobacterium violaceum infection in Southeast Asia: case reports and literature review

Chromobacterium violaceum infection in humans is a rare tropical and subtropical disease. The awareness of this organism is limited in spite its ubiquitous distribution. Several cases have been reported from Southeast Asia. A localized infection followed by an overwhelming septicemia and metastatic lesions is the usual pattern of this illness. Optimal antimicrobial treatment and duration are unknown. Consequently, the outcome is usually fatal. The study reported two patients who suffered from fulminant Chromobacterium violaceum sepsis with disseminated infection, and reviews the literature for cases reported from Southeast Asia.     

Case report and review of disseminated histoplasmosis in South-East Asia: clinical and epidemiological implications

The South‐East Asian region is not known to be a major endemic area for histoplasmosis. We have recently diagnosed several cases of disseminated histoplasmosis in patients from this region. We report on a well documented indigenous case of disseminated histoplasmosis in a 62‐year‐old poultry farmer and review the literature for other reported cases of clinical histoplasmosis in the South‐East Asian region. Sporadic cases of indigenous chronic pulmonary and non‐meningeal disseminated histoplasmosis in immunocompetent hosts have been reported as well as examples of disseminated histoplasmosis in immunocompromised hosts. These reports suggest that histoplasmosis is endemic to certain areas in South‐East Asia and that there may be a large number of undiagnosed and subclinical cases. The recent advances in diagnostic tests for histoplasmosis are also reviewed with reference to the experience of using these tests in the reported case.     

Disseminated histoplasmosis with atypical cutaneous lesions in an Italian HIV-infected patient: another autochtonous case

Disseminated histoplasmosis is recognized as a common AIDS-defining opportunistic disease in endemic areas (Americas, Africa, East Asia), while it is rarely described in Europe, usually in individuals returning from endemic regions, or following endogenous reactivation of a latent infection imported long before from overseas countries. However, reports of autochtonous cases in Europe suggest the possible, endemic presence of Histoplasma capsulatum in some European regions, such as the South of France or the Po valley in Italy. A case of disseminated histoplasmosis with atypical, papular and ulcerate skin lesions in an Italian HIV-infected patient, without history of travels outside his native region, is described. Our patient represents the fifth autochtonous case of AIDS-associated histoplasmosis described in Italy.     

Disseminated histoplasmosis in a Danish patient with AIDS

We present the first case of disseminated histoplasmosis in an AIDS patient in Europe, a 33-year-old Danish homosexual man, and recommend a detailed travel history in HIV-positive patients presenting with fever, weight loss and organomegaly. In Scandinavia disseminated histoplasmosis is rare but should be kept in mind as the disease is a major opportunistic infection in patients with AIDS. Treatment with amphotericin B followed by fluconazole was effective.     

Travel-related disseminated Penicillium marneffei infection in a renal transplant patient

Penicillium marneffei is a thermally dimorphic fungus that causes severe human immunodeficiency virus-related opportunistic infection in endemic areas of Southeast Asia and has rarely been reported in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. We report here the case of an Australian renal transplant patient who presented with disseminated P. marneffei infection shortly after a 10-day holiday to Vietnam, and review all previously published cases of penicilliosis associated with renal transplantation. This is the first reported case, to our knowledge, of P. marneffei infection in an SOT recipient acquired during travel to an endemic country, and highlights the importance of an accurate travel history when opportunistic infection is suspected, as well as giving appropriate health advice to transplant patients who travel.     

Histoplasmosis due to Histoplasma capsulatum capsulatum and HIV infection

PURPOSE: Histoplasmosis due to Histoplasma capsulatum is a granulomatous fungic infection which appears opportunistic and disseminated in immunocompromised patients, especially among HIV patients in whom it can lead to death. Histoplasmosis is endemic in numerous areas worldwide, but in Europe most of the cases reported are imported. We describe the clinical features and the available diagnosis methods issued from our experience in French Guyana. METHODS: Contamination occurs by inhalation of spores contained in dust. Most endemic areas are located on the American continent, including the French West Indies, where the incidence of histoplasmosis among HIV patients in French Guyana varies from 1.2 to 2.2% per year. In non-immunocompromised patients, histoplasmosis is asymptomatic most of the time. In HIV patients, the disseminated form is common and may occur many years after exposure to the fungus. RESULTS: Non-specific symptoms, similar to those of either tuberculosis or other opportunistic infections, may reveal disseminated histoplasmosis in patients with AIDS. Early treatment (amphotericin B or itraconazole) is effective; however, it should be followed by a lifelong antifungic treatment (itraconazole) to prevent relapse. CONCLUSION: The infection should be suspected in any febrile HIV-infected patient with CD4 blood cell count < 200/mm3, if he/she ever travelled in an endemic zone. Direct examination of smear relating to clinical symptoms help guide diagnosis, while culture will confirm it after at least 4 weeks. Efficient serologic techniques for HIV-infected patients are not available in Europe.     

Hepatic Histoplasmosis: An Update

Histoplasma capsulatum is the most common cause of endemic mycosis in developing countries. It is a self-limited and asymptomatic disease in immunocompetent individuals but remains a frequent cause of opportunistic infection in patients with compromised immune status. Liver involvement as a part of disseminated histoplasmosis is well known. However, liver infection as a primary manifestation of histoplasmosis without evidence of primary lung involvement is rare. In conclusion, clinicians should be aware of isolated histoplasmosis affecting the hepatobiliary system, and careful evaluation is warranted to confirm the diagnosis. Given the appropriate clinical context, histoplasmosis should be considered in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients, regardless of pulmonary symptoms, in non endemic as well as endemic areas.     

Histoplasmosis in the acquired immune deficiency syndrome

This report describes the experience with disseminated histoplasmosis in seven of 15 patients with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) diagnosed in Indianapolis since 1981. Three were homosexual, two were intravenous drug addicts, one was the spouse of another patient with AIDS and disseminated histoplasmosis, and the seventh was a hemophiliac. Six had associated infections: candidiasis in three, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, recurrent mucocutaneous herpes simplex infection, and disseminated Mycobacterium avium infection in two each, and disseminated infection with an unidentified mycobacterium in one. Clinical diseases suggested sepsis in four. Histoplasma fungemia occurred in five, but the diagnosis was established first by visualization of organisms in blood or bone marrow in three. Results of Histoplasma serologic tests were positive in each. Three died before receiving 50 mg of amphotericin B, three had prompt improvement with amphotericin B, and one was treated with ketoconazole to prevent dissemination. However, two of the three patients treated with amphotericin B had relapses after a 35 mg/kg course, and the third died within a month following therapy. Disseminated histoplasmosis is a major opportunistic infection in patients with AIDS from endemic areas. AIDS should be strongly considered in otherwise healthy persons with disseminated histoplasmosis, especially if risk factors for AIDS are present. Amphotericin B is not curative in these patients.     

Disseminated Histoplasmosis in Early Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Early human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection leads to transient immunosuppression followed by a quasi-homeostatic state with slow progression towards AIDS. Histoplasmosis has never been reported in early HIV. We present a case of disseminated histoplasmosis with documented recent seroconversion and review the literature regarding other opportunistic infections in early HIV.     

A case of disseminated histoplasmosis following autologous stem cell transplantation for Hodgkin's lymphoma: an initial misdiagnosis with a false-positive serum galactomannan assay

Abstract: Systemic histoplasmosis is uncommonly reported in patients who have undergone bone marrow or solid organ transplantation. Diagnosis of systemic histoplasmosis in recipients of transplants may be hampered by lack of consideration of this infection in the differential diagnosis and may be confounded by conflicting information from other testing performed to evaluate for opportunistic infections in this population. We report successful treatment of a case of disseminated histoplasmosis in a patient with Hodgkin's lymphoma who had undergone autologous stem cell transplantation. The diagnosis was delayed by the finding of a positive serum galactomannan assay.     

Articular presentation of disseminated histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is an important opportunistic disease to consider in immunocompromised patients from endemic areas. Articular presentations of disseminated histoplasmosis are uncommon. We describe the case of a renal transplant recipient originating from South Africa in whom a suppurative arthritis presented as a manifestation of disseminated histoplasmosis.     

Progressive disseminated histoplasmosis in patients with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome: a report of 12 cases and a literature review

Progressive disseminated histoplasmosis is an increasingly common cause of infection in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) from areas endemic for histoplasmosis. We report 12 cases of progressive disseminated histoplasmosis associated with AIDS and review 20 previously reported cases. The clinical presentation of progressive disseminated histoplasmosis is nonspecific with persistent fever, weight loss, and splenomegaly. Frequently progressive disseminated histoplasmosis was the initial clue to the presence of AIDS. Bone marrow culture is the best method for establishing a diagnosis. Relapses were common both with ketoconazole and after a 2.0 to 2.5 g course of amphotericin B. This suggests a 2.0 to 2.5 g course of amphotericin B followed by long term ketoconazole suppression may be the best therapeutic regimen in these patients.     

Histoplasmosis of bone

A case of histoplasmosis of bone manifested by a single punched-out lesion in the humerus is reported in a man with asymptomatic mild chronic disseminated histoplasmosis. Roentgenologically evident lesions of bone due to Histoplasma capsulatum are rare, and this is the only report of a large punched-out lytic lesion. Such lesions are common in disseminated histoplasmosis due to the African strain H. duboisii. Although H. duboisii has been accorded species differentiation, there are only two clearly defined differences, compared to H. capsulatum. One is morphologic (size of yeast cell), and the other is a different clinical disease spectrum. Many believe that this organism is best viewed as a stable variant of H. capsulatum. At times, the two strains are indistinguishable morphologically, and at times, as in the case reported, there may be clinical similarities in their respective disease entities.     

Malabsorption syndrome occurring in the course of disseminated histoplasmosis: case report and review of gastrointestinal histoplasmosis.

Histoplasmosis is caused by the dimorphic fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum. The disease spectrum varies from a mild respiratory infection to a lethal, disseminated form. Involvement of any part of the gastrointestinal tract may occur with the disseminated form, and symptoms reflect that portion involved. A case of malabsorption syndrome occurring during the course of disseminated histoplasmosis is reported, and the literature of gastrointestinal histoplasmosis is reviewed.     

Disseminated histoplasmosis with unusual cutaneous lesions in a patient from the Philippines.

The incidence and prevalence of histoplasmosis in Southeast Asia has not been extensively described. The first microbiologically documented case of disseminated histoplasmosis with cutaneous papulonodules in a 56-year-old woman from the Philippines is reported. She presented with fever and generalized papulonodular lesions in various stages, which evolved into vesicles with central necrosis that resembled molluscum contagiosum with an indurated erythematous halo. Biopsies revealed a granulomatous mass of lymphohistiocytic and epithelioid cells with intracellular budding yeast cells and dark nuclei. Cultures were positive for Histoplasma capsulatum. The patient was treated with amphotericin B (3 g) and 5-fluorocytosine (50 mg/kg/day), followed by ketoconazole (400 mg/day). Her clinical course was complicated by intractable hemolytic anemia that was initially treated with corticosteroids. A splenectomy was subsequently performed. Pneumonia and a brain abscess caused by Nocardia asteroides were secondary complications. Nine months after her admission, repeat testing was diagnostic for systemic lupus erythematosus. This patient serves to re-emphasize that cutaneous lesions in an immunocompromised patient must be evaluated by biopsy and culture analysis. Disseminated histoplasmosis in the immunocompromised host may present with unusual cutaneous lesions, and must be considered even in a nonendemic area.     

A diagnosed, cured case of an HIV-infected Japanese subject developing disseminated penicilliosis after Thailand travel

Disseminated penicilliosis-an AIDS-indicator disease in Southeast Asian countries -but not Japan- is a systemic fungal infection caused by Penicillium marneffei. A 30-year-old HIV-positive Japanese man visiting Southeast Asia three months before admission and reporting fever, general fatigue, and enlarged lymph nodes lasting over one month was admitted for detailed tests. Blood culture and fine-needle aspiration lymph node biopsy a led to a diagnosis of disseminated penicillioisis, later cured by several anti-fungal agents. Caution is thus recommended regarding the possibility of this disease, given the large number of travelers visiting overseas, geographical proximity to Southeast Asia, and increasing numbers of HIV patients in Japan.     

Progressive disseminated histoplasmosis in systemic lupus erythematosus—an unusual presentation of acute tenosynovitis and a literature review

Progressive disseminated histoplasmosis is a disease where Histoplasma capsulatum affects multiple organs due to the inability of host cellular immunity to control the infection. Progressive disseminated histoplasmosis mainly involves the bone marrow, liver, and lungs. We report an unusual initial presentation of progressive disseminated histoplasmosis presenting as acute tenosynovitis in a systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patient. This report highlights the point that H. capsulatum may present as focal lesions and a high level of suspicion is needed to make the diagnosis, especially in SLE patients. We specifically reviewed reported cases of progressive disseminated histoplasmosis in SLE patients, and a review of the literature is presented.     

Disseminated histoplasmosis: case report and brief review

Disseminated Histoplasmosis is a severe and often-fatal opportunistic infection when left untreated among patients with AIDS. Occurring in 3-5 percent of patients with AIDS living in the areas of endemicity, this infection should be suspected in patients with a CD4 cell count of <150 cells/microL presenting with non-specific clinical signs such as fever, weight loss, and lymphadenopathy. We report our experience to increase awareness of the clinical spectrum of disseminated histoplasmosis and its similarity to other infections and malignancies and update the reader on recommended therapeutic modalities.     

Histoplasma capsulatum polysaccharide antigen detection in diagnosis and management of disseminated histoplasmosis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

PURPOSE: Disseminated histoplasmosis is a serious and often rapidly progressive, opportunistic infection in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), supporting the importance of rapid diagnostic tests. We investigated Histoplasma capsulatum polysaccharide antigen (HPA) detection, a promising new method for rapid diagnosis of histoplasmosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-one cases of disseminated histoplasmosis in patients with AIDS form the basis of this report. Control cases were patients with AIDS who had other opportunistic infections and whose cultures were negative for H. capsulatum. A slightly modified radioimmunoassay procedure was used to measure the levels of HPA in urine and blood specimens. RESULTS: High levels of HPA were detected in the urine of 59 of 61 (96.7%) and the blood of 37 of 47 (78.7%) patients with AIDS complicated by disseminated histoplasmosis. Treatment with amphotericin B reduced levels of HPA in the urine in 19 of 21 (90.5%) and the serum of all 10 patients tested. HPA levels increased in the urine in all eight and in the serum in all five patients with culture-proven relapse. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, HPA detection offers a rapid method for diagnosing disseminated histoplasmosis. Additional experience is required to establish the role of this test in monitoring the effects of treatment and in identifying relapse in patients with AIDS.