[Imported cases of histoplasmosis].
Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection that may be opportunistic in the context of HIV. Rare in Europe, it is always imported. The two variants of histoplasmosis are encountered in defined geographic areas: var. capsulatum in Americas, Africa and Asia; and var duboisii in Africa only. In immuno-competent patients, acute infection is often asymptomatic, or it may cause a pulmonary syndrome of variable severity. Among immuno-compromised patients, histoplasmosis is disseminated and life-threatening. Diagnosis is typically made by cultures. The treatment of the disseminated form must be started immediately with anti-fungal therapy and highly active anti-retroviral treatment. In a globalized world, one has to remember the importation of unusual exotic diseases.
Nyffenegger
Laurent
L
Service des maladies infectieuses, HUG, Genève 14. laurent.nyffenegger@hcuge.ch
Abbas
Mohamed
M
Gex
Grégoire
G
Boffi
Emmanuelle
E
Schrenzel
Jacques
J
Bouchuiguir-Wafa
Kalthum
K
Hirschel
Bernard
B
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D000328:Adult; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications; D006660:Histoplasmosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013557:Switzerland