Histoplasma capsulatum fungemia in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: detection by lysis-centrifugation blood-culturing technique

ABSTRACT

Progressive disseminated histoplasmosis (PDH) is an increasingly common cause of infection in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). We report 21 cases of PDH associated with AIDS diagnosed by lysis-centrifugation blood culture method. The most prevalent clinical findings were fever, weight loss, respiratory symptoms, and mucocutaneous lesions. Chest roentgenogram showed diffuse pulmonary infiltrates in 13 of 21 patients (62 percent). Brochoalveolar fluid has yelded positive culture in four patients only in medium with cycloheximide.

RESUMO

Histoplasmose progressiva disseminada (HPD) tem aumentado e é causa comum de infecção em pacientes com síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida (Aids). Relatamos 21 casos de HPD associado com Aids diagnosticada pela técnica de hemocultivo por lise-centrifugação. Os achados clínicos mais prevalentes foram febre, perda de peso, sintomas respiratórios e lesões mucocutâneas. Raios X de tórax mostrou infiltrados pulmonares difusos em 13 dos 21 pacientes (62 por cento). Amostras de lavado broncoalveolar foram positivos em apenas 4 pacientes através de meio com cicloheximida.