Histoplasmosis – mycolab.ai

A case report of disseminated histoplasmosis not responding to primary treatment by itraconazole

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A 28-year-old woman developed a fungal infection called histoplasmosis after having a tooth extracted, with the infection spreading to her lungs and sinuses. She was initially given a common antifungal medication called itraconazole, but her condition continued to worsen despite increasing the dose. When doctors switched her to a stronger medication called liposomal amphotericin B given intravenously, she improved dramatically and recovered fully. This case shows the importance of recognizing when a standard fungal treatment is not working and switching to more aggressive therapy.

Mapping Histoplasma spp. in bats and cave ecosystems: evidence from midwestern Brazil

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Researchers studied caves in midwestern Brazil and found that a fungal pathogen called Histoplasma, which causes a serious lung disease called histoplasmosis, is present in cave environments and in bats. They developed a quick DNA test to detect this fungus in cave soil samples and bat tissue samples. The study identified specific caves with high levels of the fungus, which could help warn visitors and cave explorers about the risk of infection.

Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii and Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum infections on tissue sections: Diagnostic pitfalls and relevance of an integrated histomolecular diagnosis

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This research addresses the challenge of identifying two common fungal infections (cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis) when examining tissue samples under a microscope. The study found that these infections often look similar and can be confusing for pathologists. The researchers discovered that looking for specific fungal features, particularly ‘dented-looking’ yeasts, can help differentiate cryptococcosis from histoplasmosis. When standard laboratory tests on fresh tissue aren’t available, using molecular testing (genetic analysis) on preserved tissue samples can successfully identify the fungus in about 75% of cases.

A case report of disseminated histoplasmosis not responding to primary treatment by itraconazole

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A healthy 28-year-old woman developed a serious fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum after dental surgery. The standard antifungal medication (itraconazole) did not work for her, even at high doses. Doctors successfully treated her with a more powerful antifungal drug called liposomal amphotericin B, which cleared the infection completely. This case shows the importance of adjusting treatment when patients don’t respond to initial therapy.

Disseminated histoplasmosis with bone marrow infiltration in a newly diagnosed HIV patient

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A Colombian patient living in Spain developed a serious fungal infection (histoplasmosis) that spread throughout his body and affected his bone marrow, which was discovered during his HIV diagnosis. Doctors identified the infection by examining bone marrow cells under a microscope and confirmed it with fungal culture and genetic testing. The patient was treated with antifungal medication (liposomal amphotericin B) along with HIV medications and recovered well, highlighting the importance of bone marrow testing in severely immunocompromised HIV patients.

Photo Quiz: A cutaneous fungal infection with discordant biomarker results—a diagnostic challenge

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A woman with advanced HIV infection presented with skin sores and respiratory symptoms that were initially suspected to be a viral infection. Testing revealed she had histoplasmosis, a serious fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum that had spread throughout her body affecting her skin, lungs, and lymph nodes. While standard tests for this fungus were negative, other fungal markers and cultures eventually confirmed the diagnosis, and she was treated with antifungal medications.

Histoplasma capsulatum prosthetic valve endocarditis treated with oral isavuconazole

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A 76-year-old man developed a rare fungal infection on his artificial heart valve caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, a fungus found in soil and bird droppings. After surgery to replace the infected valve, he was treated with isavuconazole, an antifungal medication that proved highly effective and better tolerated than traditional treatments. After nine months of therapy, all signs of infection had resolved and his new valve was working properly.

Mapping Histoplasma spp. in bats and cave ecosystems: evidence from midwestern Brazil

mycolabadmin

Researchers found that caves in Brazil harbor a dangerous fungus called Histoplasma that can cause a serious lung disease in humans. The study detected the fungus in soil samples from several caves and in multiple bat species living in those caves. The findings show which caves are most dangerous and emphasize the need for warning signs and protective measures for cave visitors and workers in the region.

Histoplasma capsulatum as a cause for prolonged pulmonary illness in an immunocompetent returning traveller from Bangladesh

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A 57-year-old man returning from Bangladesh developed a severe lung infection that lasted several weeks and required hospitalization with breathing support. Doctors initially thought he had tuberculosis or bacterial pneumonia, but standard tests came back negative. Advanced fungal testing eventually identified the cause as histoplasmosis, a fungal infection he likely caught while supervising construction work. After treatment with antifungal medications, the patient recovered and was discharged to continue medication at home for a year.

Research Keyword: Histoplasmosis