Adamian CMC, de Lima Mota MA, Martins AAF, Aragão MC, Carvalho MS, Meneses GC, Silva Júnior GBD, Leitão TDMJS, De Francesco Daher E. Progressive disseminated histoplasmosis in HIV-positive patients.
Int J STD AIDS 2022;
33:544-553. [PMID:
35343333 DOI:
10.1177/09564624221076605]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Histoplasmosis is the most common endemic mycosis among people living with advanced HIV infection.
PURPOSE
Describe general aspects and challenges of this disease and its association with HIV.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Review of literature.
STUDY SAMPLE
Articles found using different combinations of terms including "disseminated histoplasmosis" and AIDS/HIV or immunosuppression in PubMed, Scopus, WHO Global health library, and Scielo database.
ANALYSIS
We look for information on epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of histoplasmosis in AIDS patients.
RESULTS
Histoplasmosis is caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, a dimorphic fungus encountered throughout the world, mainly in soil enriched with bat and bird excreta. Progressive disseminated histoplasmosis is the main presentation of this mycosis in people living with advanced HIV and is fatal if left untreated. Symptoms include a systemic disease characterized by fever, weight loss, night sweats, skin manifestations, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and septic shock. Diagnostic tests include culture, visualization of H. capsulatum by direct and histopathological examination, serology, antigen, molecular, and skin testing. Patients with disseminated disease require aggressive and prolonged treatment to eradicate the pathogen and include amphotericin B and itraconazole. In many low income countries of endemic regions, histoplasmosis in HIV-positive patients is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as another opportunistic infection, due to the similarity in clinical manifestations and to the paucity of better diagnostic tests.
CONCLUSION
Histoplasmosis remains a neglected disease. Few studies about the disease and expensive treatments make it difficult to reduce the morbidity and mortality of this condition. Public health services and physicians must be aware of histoplasmosis' burden among the HIV-positive population.
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