Histoplasmosis in Langsuan Hospital, Thailand
Wutthiseth Dhitinanmuang M.D.
Abstract
Background: Histoplasmosis is a
fungal infection caused by Histoplasma
capsulatum which relates to
immunocompromised status especially in HIV-infected patients. Although Thailand is not an endemic area, the
prevalence of histoplasmosis is considered to be relatively higher in the
southern part of Thailand.
Objective: To investigate the
clinical characteristics of histoplasmosis in Langsuan Hospital, a referral
center in Southern Thailand.
Methods: Adult patients admitted during
1 September 2009 to 31 August 2015 due to histoplasmosis in Langsuan Hospital
were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical
characteristics, laboratory results, and treatment outcomes were analyzed.
Results: A total of 12 patients were reviewed. Median age was 38.5 years old, 10 were male (83%) and 7 were
gardeners. Eleven out of 12 were HIV
infected (92%) and median CD4 count was 10 (range from 4-22) cells/mm3. The most common clinical
syndrome was disseminated histoplasmosis (83%). Organ involvement included skin (83%), oral cavity (58%), lymph nodes
(33%), lung and maxillofacial space (17% each). Eight patients (67%) had fever and 5 (42%) had significant weight
loss. Seven patients (58%) had oral
lesions. Hepatomegaly was found in 2
patients (17%) and the other 2 individuals had splenomegaly. Hemoculture for fungus was positive in only 2
patients. Microscopic and pathological
examination which was obtained from skin and oral lesions revealed yeast-like
organisms in all of 12 patients. After
standard treatment, 11 patients (92%) recovered.
Conclusion: Disseminated histoplasmosis is the most common clinical syndrome of H.
capsulatum infection in Langsuan Hospital. Most patients were gardeners and presented with skin and/or oral
lesions. Microscopic and pathological
studies of these lesions are useful for diagnosis. (J Infect Dis Antimicrob Agents 2015;32:
47-53.)
Keyword : Histoplasmosis, Histoplasma capsulatum, dimorphic fungi
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