Histoplasmosis in the anal canal: case report and literature review

We herein present the case of a patient with anal condylomatosis concomitant with histoplasmosis, whose diagnosis was only possible through the collection of material and the subsequent evidence of a primary pulmonary focus. Histoplasmosis is a fungal disease whose contamination occurs through the respiratory route, and it can spread to the digestive tract, but the anus is rarely affected. It is important to have a high degree of suspicion to make the diagnosis, especially in immunosuppressed patients.

Histoplasmosis pulmonar cavitada en un paciente pediátrico: reporte de caso / Acute cavitated pulmonary histoplasmosis in a pediatric patient: a case report

La histoplasmosis es una micosis producida por el Histoplasma capsulatum. Esta condición es endémica en Estados Unidos, Suramérica, América central y África. Suele presentarse en todas las edades, pero en niños; en especial en aquellos inmunodeprimidos, se han descrito presentaciones graves o atípicas. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 16 años con antecedentes de trasplante renal, que inicia con síntomas respiratorios inespecíficos, tos y alzas térmicas intermitentes. La radiografía de tórax mostró una imagen de condensación cavitada en el lóbulo superior izquierdo, por lo que se realiza una fibrobroncoscopia, lavado broncoalveolar y cultivos para patógenos habituales, micobacterias y hongos, lográndose aislar al Histoplasma capsulatum. EL objetivo de este trabajo es el de resaltar la consideración de histoplasmosis como diagnóstico diferencial de lesiones cavitadas en parénquima pulmonar en pacientes inmunodeprimidos con la presentación de un caso clínico.

Histoplasmosis is a mycosis caused by Histoplasma capsulatum. This condition is endemic in the United States, South America, Central America, and Africa. It usually occurs in all ages, but in children, especially those immunosuppressed, serious or atypical presentations have been described. We present the case of a 16-year-old patient with a history of kidney transplantation that began with nonspecific respiratory symptoms, cough, and intermittent fever peaks. Imaging findings suggestive of cavitation were found, which by means of a fiberoptic bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage study isolated Histoplasma capsulatum by means of a deep mycosis culture. The main interest of the case presented is the consideration of histoplasmosis in the presence of cavitated lesions in the lung parenchyma in immunosuppressed patients.

Histoplasmosis diseminada asociada a síndrome de reconstitución inmune en un paciente con virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana / Disseminated histoplasmosis associated to immune reconstitution syndrome in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus

Introducción: La histoplasmosis es una micosis profunda o sistémica causada por un hongo dimórfico que se puede diseminar principalmente en pacientes con inmunosupresión, como los que tienen diagnóstico de virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana. El síndrome de reconstitución inmune consiste en un empeoramiento paradójico de una condición conocida o de nueva aparición después del inicio de la terapia antirretroviral. Objetivo: Describir un caso de histoplasmosis diseminada asociada a síndrome de reconstitución inmune en un paciente con infección por virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana. Caso clínico: Paciente masculino de 32 años con diagnóstico de infección por virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana, con cuadro clínico de tres semanas de evolución. Este cuadro inició posterior al comienzo de la terapia antirretroviral, que consistió en pápulo-nódulos umbilicados diseminados, con compromiso pulmonar; además, tenía histopatología y cultivo positivos para Histoplasma capsulatum sl. y prueba de antigenuria para histoplasma también positiva. Se consideró un diagnóstico de histoplasmosis diseminada con presentación cutánea, fue la expresión de un síndrome de reconstitución inmune por desenmascaramiento. Se inició manejo con anfotericina B liposomal y se mantuvo la terapia antirretroviral; posteriormente se continuó el tratamiento con itraconazol durante 12 meses con mejoría de las lesiones. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico clínico, histopatológico y microbiológico fue oportuno; el paciente presentó una adecuada respuesta al tratamiento. Esta es una micosis curable e incluso prevenible, si se diagnostica a tiempo, se inicia tratamiento precoz y se mantiene la terapia retroviral(AU)

Introduction: Histoplasmosis is a deep or systemic mycosis caused by a dimorphic fungus which may disseminate mainly in immunocompromised patients, such as those diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus. Immune reconstitution syndrome is a paradoxical worsening of a known condition or a condition appearing after the start of antiretroviral therapy. Objective: Describe a case of disseminated histoplasmosis associated to immune reconstitution syndrome in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Case report: A case is presented of a male 32-year-old patient diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus with a clinical status of three weeks' evolution. The current status developed after the start of antiretroviral therapy. It consisted in disseminated umbilicated papular nodules with pulmonary involvement, as well as positive Histoplasma capsulatum sl. histopathology and culture, and a positive histoplasma antigen test. A diagnosis of disseminated histoplasmosis with a cutaneous presentation was considered. It was the expression of immune reconstitution syndrome by unmasking. Treatment was started with liposomal amphotericin B, maintaining the antiretroviral therapy. Management was then continued with itraconazole for 12 months with improvement of the lesions. Conclusions: Timely clinical, histopathological and microbiological diagnosis was performed. The patient displayed an adequate response to treatment. This mycosis is curable and even preventable when a diagnosis is made in time, treatment is started early and the retroviral therapy is maintained(AU)

Oral Manifestations Associated to Paracoccidioidomicosis and Histoplasmosis

Objective: To determine the frequency and clinical forms of oral manifestations associated to Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) and Histoplasmosis. Material and Methods: 481 medical records of outpatients referred to the Medical Mycology Department were reviewed since 2009 to 2016. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Results: 47 (9.77%) cases had oral manifestations, 29 (61.70%) were associated to PCM and 18 (38.29%) to histoplasmosis. For PCM, male-female ratio was 8:1 and 1:1 for histoplasmosis. The average age for PCM was 48 years old and 53 for histoplasmosis. All the PCM patients had more than 1 oral structure affected: 44.82% were gingival lesions and 27.58% palate. In patients with histoplasmosis, 6 (33.33%) were lesions affecting palate and 6 (33.33%) involving tongue. For both entities, painful ulcers and granulomatous-like lesions were the most prevalent clinical forms; however, we observed a wide range of other oral manifestations. Regarding PCM patient's comorbidities, 3 (10.34%) cases had HIV/AIDS, 8 (27.58%) histoplasmosis and 2 (6.89%) carcinomas. Whereas the comorbidities of patients with histoplasmosis, 2 (11.11%) had HIV/AIDS and 1 (5.55%) had carcinoma. Conclusion: In endemic countries for both mycoses, dentists must be aware of patients with mouth lesions, take advantage of epidemiologic clues that suggest risk factors and be acquainted with all the current diagnostic tests in order to make a quick diagnosis and treatment in highly suspicious cases.

Síntomas faríngeos como primera manifestación clínica en un paciente con Histoplasmosis generalizada / Pharyngeal symptoms as first clinical manifestation in a patient with Generalized Histoplasmosis

Introducción: La Histoplasmosis es una enfermedad endémica, que presenta un comportamiento oportunista cuyo germen causal es el Histoplasma capsulatum (HC), considerado un hongo dimórfico. Objetivo: Presentar un caso con el diagnóstico de Histoplasmosis generalizada, cuyas manifestaciones faríngeas fueron el inicio de la enfermedad. Presentación del caso: Se presenta el caso de un paciente, con los síntomas faríngeos que fueron la primera manifestación de la enfermedad, en el que la biopsia permitió llegar al diagnóstico nosológico. Posteriormente presentó otras manifestaciones con aspectos clínicos-microbiológicos de diseminación progresiva. Conclusiones: La Histoplasmosis faríngea es una micosis sistémica infrecuente y de difícil diagnóstico, es preciso un buen interrogatorio y examen físico, en aquellos pacientes con factores de riesgo de enfermedades infecciosas sin diagnóstico aparente y deterioro progresivo de su estado general(AU)

Introduction: The Histoplasmosis is an endemic illness that presents an opportunist behavior in which causal germ is the Histoplasma capsulatum (HC), considered a dimorphic mushroom. Objective: To present a case with the diagnosis of Generalized Histoplasmosis in which pharyngeal manifestations were the beginning of the illness. Presentation of the case: The case of a patient is presented with the pharyngeal symptoms that were the first manifestation of the illness, in which the biopsy allowed to arrive to the diagnostic. Later the patient presented other manifestations with clinical-microbiologic aspects of progressive dissemination. Conclusions: The pharyngeal Histoplasmosis is an uncommon systemic mycosis and with a difficult diagnostic, it is necessary a good interrogation and physical exam, in those patients with factors of risk of infectious illnesses without apparent diagnosis and progressive deterioration of their general state(AU)

Histoplasmosis diagnosed after arthroscopy of the knee: case report

ABSTRACTFungal arthritis is a rare complication of arthroscopic surgeries, but its possibility should always be considered due its deleterious effects on any joint. Infection caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum is the most common cause of respiratory tract infections by fungi, meanwhile histoplasmosis arthritis is more rare than all other fungal infections. However, their atypical forms of arthritis and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment cannot be over-emphasized. Herein we report a case of knee monoarthritis in an immunocompetent patient with histoplasmosis arthritis following an arthroscopic meniscetomy, diagnosed by synovial biopsy and culture performed during a second arthroscopic procedure. The joint was debrided in this second intervention and the patient received itraconazole initially and fluconazole latter on. The arthritis subsided after 10 months of treatment.

Histoplasmosis oral atípica en paciente VIH reactivo: reporte de un caso / Atypical oral histoplasmosis in a HIV-reactive patient: report of a case

La histoplasmosis es una infección granulomatosa causada por un hongo dimórfico, el Histoplasma capsulatum. Clínicamente, existen tres formas: aguda, crónica y diseminada. Nosotros presentamos un caso de un paciente masculino de 19 años, reactivo para el VIH, en el estado C, quien fue derivado al Servicio de Odontología Hospital Juan A. Fernández, Buenos Aires, Argentina, en donde se realizó una evaluación estomatológica. El paciente presentaba erosiones, pápulas y nódulos indoloros de aproximadamente 2,4 mm en la mucosa bucal. Se realizaron tres biopsias correspondientes a cada tipo de lesión presente. Los estudios histológicos revelaron invasión celular por Histoplasma capsulatum. Este caso de reporta como una forma atípica de histoplasmosis en base a lesiones diferentes entre sí, lo cual hizo el diagnóstico difícil. Es común la observación de presentaciones inusuales de lesiones bucales en pacientes VIH positivos.

Una actualización acerca de histoplasmosis / Histoplasmosis updating

La histoplasmosis infección causada por el hongo Histoplasma capsulatum ha sido reportada en todos los continentes y se considera endémica en el continente americano, incluida Cuba. El hongo se desarrolla en el suelo con excretas de aves y murciélagos, donde es capaz de producir abundantes microconidios, que al ser inhalados por el hombre son capaces de causar la infección. El cuadro clínico puede variar, desde infecciones asintomáticas hasta cuadros diseminados graves que involucran a uno o varios órganos y sistemas y que afectan sobre todo a pacientes con sida, neoplasias hematológicas, con trasplantes u otras inmunodeficiencias. Los principales grupos de riesgo incluyen además, aquellos individuos que por razones ocupacionales se expongan los aerosoles contaminados con el hongo. El diagnóstico de laboratorio se basa en la observación de este en fluidos y tejidos orgánicos, en el cultivo de esos materiales y en la detección de anticuerpos y antígenos específicos. Los métodos moleculares, en especial mediante la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa, aunque no han sido suficientemente evaluados, pudieran representar un importante avance en el diagnóstico temprano de esta micosis. Para el tratamiento de las formas agudas moderadas, localizadas y respiratoria crónica se recomienda el itraconazol, mientras que para las formas graves y diseminadas la droga de elección es la anfotericina B, con preferencia en alguna de sus formulaciones lipídicas. La histoplasmosis representa hoy una de las micosis sistémicas más importante en las Américas, con una amplia distribución en todas las regiones de Cuba.

Histoplasmosis, an infection caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, has been reported all over the world and is considered endemic in the American continent, including Cuba. This fungus grows on the soils contaminated with bird and bat excreta, where it produces a great number of microconidia that could cause the infection when they are inhaled. The clinical spectrum varies from asymptomatic infections to serious disseminated diseases involving one or many organ systems and affects mainly AIDS patients, patients with hematological neoplasias, transplant recipients or other immunosuppressed patients. The main risk groups include those individuals whose working activities make them be exposed to aerosols contaminated with H. capsulatum. Lab diagnosis is based on the microscopic observation, isolation and identification of the fungus in fluid or tissue samples of patients, and on specific antigen and antibodies detection. The molecular methods based on polymerase chain reaction have not been sufficiently defined, and they could be an important advance in the early diagnosis of this mycosis. Itraconazole is recommended for treatment of moderate, localized and chronic infection whereas amphotericin B is the drug of choice for disseminated and serious manifestations, particularly in its lipidic formulations. At present, histoplasmosis is considered one of the most important systemic mycoses in the Americas, and it is widely spread over all regions of Cuba.

Histoplasmosis diseminada / Disseminated histoplasmosis

La histoplasmosis clásica es una micosis sistémica causada por el hongo dimorfo Histoplasma capsulatum var. Capsulatum. Es una enfermedad endémica, mundialmente distribuida con fuerte predominio en América. Presenta un amplio espectro de manifestaciones clínicas. Las formas diseminadas se observan en pacientes con distintos tipos de inmunodeficiencias, particularmente sujetos con SIDA. La certeza diagnóstica se basa en el cultivo del material de biopsia en medios apropiados. La observación microscópica del organismo en escarificaciones de lesiones cutáneo-mucosas permite ver las levaduras intracelulares. El tratamiento inicial se efectúa con anfotericina B IV o con itraconazol vía oral. La tendencia actual en el tratamiento inicial de la histoplasmosis diseminada es la anfotericina B liposomal. El itraconazol VO es además la droga de elección para la profilaxis 2º en pacientes HIV positivos. Presentamos el caso de una paciente HIV seropositivo con manifestaciones cutáneo-mucosas de histoplasmosis diseminada.

Capítulo 4: histoplasmose / Chapter 4: histoplasmosis

Histoplasmose é uma micose sistêmica causada por um pequeno fungo, Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum, cujo habitat é o solo rico em excrementos de pássaros e morcegos. A incidência da histoplasmose é mundial. No Brasil, a doença incide em todas as regiões; porém, o estado do Rio de Janeiro é responsável pelo maior número de microepidemias descritas até hoje. A infecção humana ocorre pela inalação de esporos do H. capsulatum. A forma clínica mais freqüente é a assintomática. Na histoplasmose aguda ou epidêmica, os sintomas são febre alta, tosse, astenia, dor retroesternal, acompanhados de aumento dos linfonodos cervicais, fígado e do baço. Os achados radiológicos mais frequentes são o infiltrado reticulonodular difuso em ambos os pulmões, associados a linfonodomegalias hílares e mediastinais. Na forma pulmonar crônica, o quadro clínico e radiológico é idêntico ao da tuberculose pulmonar do adulto. O diagnóstico da histoplasmose é feito pela identificação do fungo ou crescimento em cultura de escarro ou de material obtido por fibrobroncoscopia. A histopatologia identifica o fungo dentro e fora do macrófago em meio à lesão granulomatosa com ou sem necrose caseosa. A imunodifusão em duplo gel de ágar é o teste sorológico mais fácil e disponível para o diagnóstico imunológico. As formas agudas com sintomas prolongados, as formas disseminadas e a forma pulmonar crônica requerem tratamento. A droga de escolha é o itraconazol.

Histoplasmosis is systemic mycosis caused by a small fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum, whose natural habitat is soil contaminated by bat or bird excrement. The incidence of histoplasmosis is worldwide. In Brazil, the disease is found in all regions; however, the state of Rio de Janeiro is responsible for most of the microepidemics described. Human infection occurs when airborne spores of H. capsulatum are inhaled. The most common clinical presentation is asymptomatic. The symptoms of acute or epidemic histoplasmosis are high fever, cough, asthenia and retrosternal pain, as well as enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes, liver and spleen. The most common radiological findings are diffuse reticulonodular infiltrates in both lungs, as well as hilar and mediastinal lymph node enlargement. In chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis, the clinical and radiological manifestations are identical to those of reinfection with pulmonary tuberculosis. Histoplasmosis is diagnosed by means of the identification or culture growth of the fungus in sputum or fiberoptic bronchoscopy specimens. Histopathological examination reveals the fungus itself within or surrounding macrophages, as well as granulomatous lesions with or without caseous necrosis. Double agar gel immunodiffusion is the most easily used and readily available serologic test for making the immunological diagnosis. Acute histoplasmosis with prolonged symptoms requires treatment, as do the disseminated or chronic pulmonary forms of the disease. The drug of choice is itraconazole.

Histoplasmose: [revisão] / Histoplasmosis: [review]

A histoplasmose é uma micose causada por fungo dimórfico, o Histoplasma capsulatum. É considerada classicamente uma micose endêmica, embora o fungo tenha um comportamento oportunístico em pacientes com depressão da imunidade celular. O homem adquire a infecção através da inalação de conídeos presentes na natureza (cavernas com morcegos, galinheiros, etc). O quadro clínico pode variar, desde infecções assintomáticas até quadros graves disseminados, que acometem pacientes com Aids, transplantados ou com neoplasias hematológicas. O diagnóstico baseia-se no encontro do fungo em fluidos orgânicos (escarro, sangue, líquor) ou tecidos (histopatologia), na cultura de materiais biológicos e na sorologia. O tratamento das formas agudas graves, respiratória crônica ou de formas localizadas pode ser feito com azólicos orais (itraconazol) e nas disseminadas, a Anfotericina B (preferencialmente as formulações lipídicas) constitui a droga da eleição para iniciar a terapia. A histoplasmose representa, hoje uma das micoses sistêmicas mais importantes nas Américas, com ampla distribuição em todas as regiões do Brasil.

Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. It is classically considered an endemic mycosis, even though the fungus has an opportunistic behavior in immunocompromised patients. People acquired the infection through the inhalation of conidial forms present in the environmental, such as caves dwelling bats and soils inhabited by chickens. The clinical features may vary from asymptomatic infections to disseminated severe forms that affect patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or hematological malignancies and allograft recipients. The diagnosis is based on the detection of the fungus in organic fluids (sputum, blood, liquor) or tissues (histopathological assays), in the culture of biological samples and serological assays. The treatment of severe chronic respiratory acute or localized forms can be performed with oral azolic (itraconazol) and in the disseminated forms, the amphotericin B (preferentially the lipidic formulations) consists in the elected drug to initiate the therapy. Nowadays, histoplasmosis represents one of the most important systemic mycosis in the Americas, with broad distribution in all regions of Brazil.

Histoplasmosis hepática. A propósito de un caso / Hepatic histoplasmosis. A propos of a case

Durante un brote epidémico de trasmisión hídrica de hepatitis viral A en el área de Versalles, Matanzas, ocurrido entre octubre 2006 y marzo 2007 se incluyó con diagnóstico presuntivo de esta enfermedad al paciente P.A.P M/B, de 45 años de edad, que ingresó en el Servicio de Medicina Interna del Hospital Provincial José Ramón López Tabrane por presentar además de los síntomas típicos, un síndrome febril prolongado; como dato de interés se recogió su dedicación al cuidado de aves de corral. Se realizaron estudios virológicos para virus A,B,C y E los cuales resultaron negativos, el resto de los complementarios confirmaban lesión hepática por lo que se indicó laparoscopia con biopsia hepática y se llegó al diagnóstico de histoplasmosis hepática. Se comenzó tratamiento con Itraconazol con evolución clínica satisfactoria y regresión de las lesiones hepáticas.

During an epidemic sprout of hydric transmission of hepatitis A occurred in Matanzas, Versalles area., between October 2006 and March 2007, the patient P.A.P male, white of 45 years old, which one entered in Medicines Service of the José Ramón López Tabrane Hospital was included with presumptive diagnosis of this disease. The patient presented in addition to typical symptoms, a feverish prolonged syndrome and as fact of interest gathered his dedication to care of poultry bird. The virological studies for virus A, B, C, and E proved to be negative, the rest of the complementary were confirming hepatic lesion, thats why laparoscopia with hepatic biopsy was indicated and it took place the diagnosis of hepatic histoplasmosis. Treatment began with Itraconazol with clinical satisfactory evolution and regression of hepatic injuries.

História natural da histoplasmose / Natural history of histoplasmosis

A histoplasmose é uma doença infecciosa sistêmica causada pelo fungo Histoplasma capsulatum. Sua patogenicidade está vinculada ao estado imunológico do hospedeiro e à carga fúngica inalada. O fungo apresenta distribuição cosmopolita, instalando-se em áreas de solo rico em compostos nitrogenados, habitadas por aves e morcegos. Costumeiramente, cursa com infecção assintomática ou autolimitada, porém pode evoluir para as seguintes formas: histoplasmose pulmonar aguda, histoplasmose pulmonar crônica e histoplasmose disseminada. Destaca-se, como método diagnóstico, o isolamento de forma leveduriformes em amostra de escarro, lavado broncoalveolar, biopsia de tecido pulmonar, sendo de suma importância descartar outras possibilidades diagnósticas, sobretudo, tuberculose. O tratamento depende do quadro clínico do hospedeiro e do estado imunológico, destacando-se o uso de fármacos como itraconazol, fluconazol, anfoterecina B e, eventualmente, corticosteróides como adjuvantes.

Histoplasmosis is a systemic infectious disease caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Its pathogenicity depends on the underlying immune status of the host and the inhaled fungal burden. The fungus is found throughout the world in areas of rich nitrogenous soil, inhabited by birds and bats. The infection is mostly asymptomatic or self-limited, but severe clinical manifestations might develop with the occurrence of accute pulmonary histoplasmosis, chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis or disseminated histoplasmosis. Diagnosis is made when yeast forms are found in sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage or pulmonary tissue biopsy. Is is of the utmost importance to establish the differentials, specially tuberculosis. Treatment indicated depends on the hos clinical picture and immune status; drugs of choice are itraconazole, fluconazole, amphothericin B and corticosteroids as adjuvants.

Suspensión de la profilaxis secundaria en pacientes adultos con histoplasmosis diseminada y síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida / Suspension of secondary prophylaxis in adults with disseminated histoplasmosis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Evaluar el efecto de suspender la profilaxis secundaria en pacientes con síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida que padecieron histoplasmosis diseminada. Estudio de cohortes, prospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes con síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida e histoplasmosis diseminada tratada y cumplían profilaxis secundaria con anfotericina B itraconazol, desde enero de 1998 hasta diciembre de 2005. Al suspender la profilaxis, los linfocitos T de CD4 mayor o igual de 150 cél/mm3. Los eventos finales evaluados: recaída, muerte y enfermedades oportunistas. Se incluyeron 51 pacientes. Al diagnosticar la histoplasmosis diseminada, el recuento de linfocitos T CD4 era 31,96 cél/mm3 y la carga viral: 157 028 copias ARN/mL. Los pacientes recibieron tratamiento antifúngico. Todos los pacientes iniciaron tratamiento antirretroviral. La profilaxis secundaria utilizada fue anfotericina B o itraconazol. El tiempo de tratamiento antirretroviral fue de 6 meses al suspender la profilaxis. El tiempo de seguimiento después de interrumpida la profilaxis fue de 36 meses (tiempo total: 1329 meses). 50 pacientes (98 por ciento) no tuvieron recaída, 1 paciente (2 por ciento) recayó, quien suspendió el tratamiento antirretroviral. La interrupción de la profilaxis secundaria antifúngica en pacientes con síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida e histoplasmosis diseminada es segura, debe realizarse en pacientes asintomáticos, que cumplan tratamiento antirretroviral y linfocitos T CD4 mayor de 150 cél/mm3. El único factor implicado en recaída fue la suspensión del tratamietno antirretroviral.

Histoplasmose como complicaçäo infecciosa tardia após transplante cardíaco em portador de doença de Chagas / Histoplasmosis as a late infectious complication following heart transplantation in a patient with Chagas' disease

Infectious complications following heart transplantation are an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Generally, bacterial infections are predominant; however, fungal infections can be responsible for up to 25 percent of infectious events. We report the case of a patient who presented with histoplasmosis as an infectious complication five years after heart transplantation due to a chagasic cardiopathy. This association has rarely been reported in the international literature

Inmunodiagnóstico de micosis sistémicas en pacientes con infección por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana en Venezuela / Immunodiagnosis of systemic fungal infection in patients infected with Human Immunodeficiency virus in Venezuela

Se discute la casuística de las micosis sistémicas en pacientes con SIDA diagnosticadas por métodos inmulogógicos desde 1986 hasta 1997. En 12 años se procesaron 590 serologías para el inmunodiagnóstico de micosis sistémicas en pacientes con infección por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH). Doscientas veinte (37,3 por ciento) serologías procedían de pacientes con SIDA y 370 (62,7 por ciento) de pacientes asintomáticos portadores del VIH. El inmunodiagnóstico se realizó por las pruebas de inmunodifusión doble en gel de agarosa y aglutinación de latex para Crytococcus neoformans. De 220 muestras procedentes de pacientes con SIDA 46 (20,9 por ciento) resultaron positivas. La distribución por micosis fué: histoplasmosis 34 (73,9 por ciento), criptococcosis 6 (13 por ciento), paracoccidioidomicosis 5 (10,9 por ciento) Y coccidioidomicosis 1 (2,2 por ciento). En 370 muestras procedentes de pacientes portadores del virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) asintomáticos no se detectó ninguna de las patologías antes mencionadas. Se demostró que la micosis sistémica más frecuente en pacientes con SIDA fue la micosis, cuyo agente etiológico Histoplasma capsulatum es de distribución mundial y frecuente en nuestro medio. Se recomienda el uso de la prueba de inmunodifusión doble en gel (serología para hongos) como alternativa en el diagnóstico de micosis sistémicas por su sensibilidad y especificidad.

Paracoccidioidomicose, histoplasmose e criptococose: envolvimento pulmonar nas três principais micoses profundas existentes no Brasil / Paracococidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis and criptococosis: pulmonary involvment in principal deep micosis in Brasil

Os autores discutem os mecanismos das lesões pulmonares nas três principais micoses profundas existentes no Brasil, todas elas bastante frequentes na prática clínica. Devem, também, ser assinalados aspectos como: as dificuldades diagnósticas, maior conscientização sobre sua importância como patologia, carência de conhecimentos epidemiológicos, bem como das facilidades dos métodos diagnósticos