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European Journal of Case Reports in... 2024Histoplasmosis is a soil-based dimorphic fungus endemic to the Midwest and Southeastern United States and is responsible for infection through inhalation of conidia....
UNLABELLED
Histoplasmosis is a soil-based dimorphic fungus endemic to the Midwest and Southeastern United States and is responsible for infection through inhalation of conidia. Infection is usually asymptomatic, as the fungal growth is contained by formation of granulomas. However, dissemination can occur in immunocompromised hosts due to the lack of optimal activity of interferon gamma, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-17. There is a significant overlap between the symptomatology of histoplasmosis and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). We report a case of a 48-year-old female who presented with high-grade fever, worsening generalised weakness and tachycardia. She had a previous history of bilateral cavitary lung lesions for which she was evaluated at an outside facility. As her entire infectious investigation was negative and found to be positive for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA), a diagnosis of GPA was made, and she was initiated on rituximab infusions 7 weeks prior to her presentation to our facility. Repeat infectious investigations at our facility were positive for (1-3)-β-D-glucan test and urine histoplasma antigen. Prompt discontinuation of rituximab and initiation of systemic antifungal therapy led to clinical improvement. Based on this experience, we highlight the association of histoplasma with ANCA positivity along with the importance of closely monitoring these patients for possible clinical worsening after the initiation of TNF-alpha inhibitors, despite the negative infectious work-up. Also routine screening or pre-emptive therapy for histoplasmosis before the initiation of TNF-inhibitors is not recommended.
LEARNING POINTS
Histoplasmosis is associated with ANCA positivity.Despite the negative investigations for histoplasmosis and criteria for GPA being met, patients should be closely monitored for possible clinical worsening after the initiation of immunosuppressive therapy, especially TNF-alpha inhibitors.Current guidelines are not recommending routine screening or pre-emptive therapy for histoplasmosis before initiation of TNF-alpha inhibitors.
PubMed: 38715876
DOI: 10.12890/2024_004467 -
Epidemiology and Infection May 2024The mycosis histoplasmosis is also considered a zoonosis that affects humans and other mammalian species worldwide. Among the wild mammals predisposed to be infected...
The mycosis histoplasmosis is also considered a zoonosis that affects humans and other mammalian species worldwide. Among the wild mammals predisposed to be infected with the etiologic agent of histoplasmosis, bats are relevant because they are reservoir of species, and they play a fundamental role in maintaining and spreading fungal propagules in the environments since the infective mycelial phase of grows in their accumulated guano. In this study, we detected the fungal presence in organ samples of bats randomly captured in urban areas of Araraquara City, São Paulo, Brazil. Fungal detection was performed using a nested polymerase chain reaction to amplify a molecular marker (Hcp100) unique to , which revealed the pathogen presence in organ samples from 15 out of 37 captured bats, indicating 40.5% of infection. Out of 22 Hcp100-amplicons generated, 41% corresponded to lung and trachea samples and 59% to spleen, liver, and kidney samples. Data from these last three organs suggest that bats develop disseminated infections. Considering that infected bats create environments with a high risk of infection, it is important to register the percentage of infected bats living in urban areas to avoid risks of infection to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife.
Topics: Animals; Chiroptera; Brazil; Histoplasma; Histoplasmosis; Polymerase Chain Reaction
PubMed: 38705586
DOI: 10.1017/S0950268824000657 -
The American Journal of Case Reports May 2024BACKGROUND Histoplasmosis is typically associated with immunocompromised individuals, but cases in immunocompetent patients are rare. Primary cutaneous histoplasmosis...
BACKGROUND Histoplasmosis is typically associated with immunocompromised individuals, but cases in immunocompetent patients are rare. Primary cutaneous histoplasmosis (PCH) is a challenging diagnosis due to its clinical polymorphism and can mimic other infectious and non-infectious diseases. Previous cases of PCH have been reported in immunocompetent patients with underlying medical conditions or trauma history. So far there have been no reports of PCH after platelet-rich plasma (PRP) application due to inadequate hygiene measures in an immunocompetent host. CASE REPORT This case report presents a rare occurrence of PCH following a cosmetic procedure (PRP injection) in an immunocompetent patient. The patient developed nodule-like lesions at the application sites, which progressed to ulceration with purulent discharge. Initially, atypical mycobacterial infection was suspected, and empirical antibiotic therapy was initiated. Complementary tests were performed, ruling out immunosuppression and systemic pathogens. The patient showed complete resolution of the lesions after one month of atypical treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX). Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of PCH with intracytoplasmic inclusions of Histoplasma sp. CONCLUSIONS This case highlights the importance of considering histoplasmosis as a diagnostic possibility, especially in hyperendemic areas like Venezuela. Direct inoculation of Histoplasma sp. after aesthetic procedures without proper hygiene measures can lead to pathological lesions, even in immunocompetent individuals. TMP/SMX can be considered as an alternative treatment option in the absence of the first-line medication. Further exploration of this treatment approach may benefit patients with similar clinical conditions or when ideal treatment options are unavailable.
Topics: Humans; Histoplasmosis; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Platelet-Rich Plasma; Female; Cosmetic Techniques; Dermatomycoses; Immunocompetence; Adult
PubMed: 38702880
DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.942660 -
Iranian Journal of Microbiology Feb 2024We present a case of a 43-year-old immunocompromised female patient diagnosed with disseminated histoplasmosis on bone marrow examination, at clinical laboratory of...
We present a case of a 43-year-old immunocompromised female patient diagnosed with disseminated histoplasmosis on bone marrow examination, at clinical laboratory of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, Karnataka, India. The patient, presenting with symptoms like weight loss, appetite loss, and pancytopenia, underwent bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. The bone marrow studies revealed HIV-associated changes and the yeast form of , confirming disseminated histoplasmosis. Bone marrow examination is highlighted as a diagnostic tool with significant sensitivity in such cases. The report stresses on the importance of awareness and early diagnosis of histoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients, given its potential lethality and the need for timely therapeutic intervention for better prognosis.
PubMed: 38682069
DOI: 10.18502/ijm.v16i1.14886 -
Journal of the Belgian Society of... 2024Due to the mass-like appearance of pulmonary histoplasmosis in the lung, radiological misdiagnosis may occur. Fungal infections should be considered in the differential...
Due to the mass-like appearance of pulmonary histoplasmosis in the lung, radiological misdiagnosis may occur. Fungal infections should be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially in immune-compromised patients.
PubMed: 38680724
DOI: 10.5334/jbsr.3563 -
Medical Mycology Case Reports Jun 2024Fungal infections can be challenging to diagnose in returning travellers due to their non-specific clinical manifestations and changing epidemiology. We present a case...
Fungal infections can be challenging to diagnose in returning travellers due to their non-specific clinical manifestations and changing epidemiology. We present a case of progressive disseminated histoplasmosis in a returning traveller from Bangladesh. The patient had a progressive and prolonged respiratory illness necessitating mechanical ventilatory support. The clue to potential fungal aetiology was provided by serum fungal markers - 1-3-β-D-glucan and galactomannan. Diagnosis was eventually made using panfungal PCR on bronchioalveolar lavage fluid.
PubMed: 38634015
DOI: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2024.100647 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Apr 2024Opportunistic infections (OIs) are common causes of mortality among people living with HIV (PLHIV). We determined prevalence and 30-day mortality due to histoplasmosis,...
BACKGROUND
Opportunistic infections (OIs) are common causes of mortality among people living with HIV (PLHIV). We determined prevalence and 30-day mortality due to histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and TB in PLHIV with advanced HIV disease (AHD).
METHODS
PLHIV 18 years and older, with a CD4 + T-cell count of less than 350 cells/mm3 newly diagnosed with HIV infection or re-engaged in care after being without ART for more than 90 days (Group A). The second group included symptomatic PLHIV regardless of ART status or CD4 + T-cell count (Group B); all followed for 30 days. Detection of Histoplasma Ag (HisAg) in urine was done by enzyme immunoassay (EIA), Cryptococcus antigen (CrAg) was detected in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens by lateral flow assay (LFA), and lipoarabinomannan (LAM) detection in urine was by LFA (TB LAM) and in sputum by GeneXpert for diagnosis of Mycobacterium infections.
RESULTS
From August 2021 to June 2022, 491 PLHIV were enrolled; 482 (98%) had a CD4 + T-cell result, and 381 patients (79%) were classified with AHD according to CD4 + T-cell count (< 200 CD4/mm). Frequency of an OI was 38% (n = 145/381). Antigen test positivity rate was 16% (72/467) for TB-LAM, 9% (43/464) for HisAg, and 11% (51/484) for CrAg. Twenty-one of 34 (62%) patients receiving CSF CrAg tests were positive, confirming meningitis. Significant differences in 30-day mortality were observed in patients with an OI (16%) vs. no OI (7%) (p = 0.002). Mortality was highest in patients with histoplasmosis (25%), co-infection (22%), cryptococcosis (18% overall; 19% for cryptococcal meningitis), and TB (10%).
CONCLUSIONS
TB and fungal OIs, including co-infection, were common in PLHIV in Paraguay and had high associated mortality. Laboratories and health facilities need access to CD4 + T-cell testing and rapid diagnostic assays.
Topics: Humans; HIV Infections; Histoplasmosis; Rapid Diagnostic Tests; Coinfection; Paraguay; Cryptococcosis; Tuberculosis; Antigens, Fungal; Opportunistic Infections
PubMed: 38627642
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09257-5 -
The Lancet. Microbe Apr 2024In October, 2022, WHO published the first fungal priority pathogen list, which categorised 19 fungal entities into three priority groups (critical, high, and medium),... (Review)
Review
In October, 2022, WHO published the first fungal priority pathogen list, which categorised 19 fungal entities into three priority groups (critical, high, and medium), for prioritisation of research efforts. The final ranking was determined via multiple criteria decision analysis, considering both research and development needs and perceived public health importance. In this Personal View, we discuss the positioning of the fungal pathogens, namely, Mucorales, Candida spp, Histoplasma spp, Coccidioides and Paracoccidioides spp, Fusarium spp, eumycetoma causative agents, Talaromyces marneffei, and Pneumocystis jirovecii, while expressing concerns about potential disparities between the WHO fungal priority pathogen list ranking and the actual disease burden associated with these pathogens. Finally, we propose a revised prioritisation list that also considers the regional disparities in the burden of fungal diseases.
PubMed: 38608682
DOI: 10.1016/S2666-5247(24)00042-9 -
Microbiology Spectrum May 2024
Topics: Humans; Histoplasmosis; Histoplasma; Antigens, Fungal; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Adult; Fluid Therapy; Aged
PubMed: 38606971
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03714-23 -
One Health (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Jun 2024Robust surveillance of species is warranted in endemic regions, including investigation of community-level transmission dynamics. This cross-sectional study explored...
Robust surveillance of species is warranted in endemic regions, including investigation of community-level transmission dynamics. This cross-sectional study explored anti- antibody seroprevalence and risk factors for exposure in a general population in Upper River Region (URR), The Gambia. Study participants were recruited (December 2022-March 2023) by random household sampling across 12 Enumeration Areas (EAs) of URR. A questionnaire and clinical examination were performed; exploring demographic, clinical and environmental risk factors for exposure. One venous blood sample per participant was subject to IMMY Latex Agglutination test to determine presence of a recent IgM response to . Seropositivity risk factors were explored by multi-level, multivariable logistic regression analysis. The study population ( = 298) aged 5-83 years, demonstrated a positively skewed age distribution and comprised 55.4% females. An apparent seroprevalence of 18.8% ( = 56/298, 95% CI 14.5-23.7%) was measured using the LAT. A multivariable model demonstrated increased odds of seropositivity amongst female participants (OR = 2.41 95% CI 1.14-5.10); and participants reporting involvement in animal manure management (OR = 4.21 95% CI 1.38-12.90), and management of domestic animals the compound at night during the dry season (OR = 10.72 95% CI 2.02-56.83). Increasing age (OR = 0.96 95% CI 0.93-0.98) was associated with decreased odds of seropositivity. Clustering at EA level was responsible for 17.2% of seropositivity variance. The study indicates frequent recent exposure and presents plausible demographic and environmental risk factors for seropositivity. spp. characterisation at this human-animal-environment interface is warranted, to determine public health implications of environmental reservoirs in The Gambia. The study was supported by Wellcome Trust (206,638/Z/17/Z to CES) and a University of Liverpool-funded PhD studentship (to TRC).
PubMed: 38576541
DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100717