Abstract

NANDI-LOZANO, Eugenia; NEWTON-SANCHEZ, Oscar  and  AVILA-FIGUEROA, Carlos. Systemic histoplasmosis. Report of five pediatric cases. Bol. Med. Hosp. Infant. Mex. [online]. 2006, vol.63, n.1, pp.47-54. ISSN 1665-1146.

Introduction. Histoplasmosis is one of the most prevalent systemic mycosis in humans. Those younger than 2 years of age, and individuals whose immune systems are compromised, are more likely to develop symptoms. Case reports. All 5 cases were female. The ages of the patients varied from 30 months to 16 years. Concomitant diseases included HIV infection (3) and lupus erythematosus (1). Clinical symptoms were: fever, cough, respiratory distress and hepatosplenomegaly. All had hematologic disorders, anemia, decreased leukocytes count and decreased platelets. Chest roentgenogram showed multiples infiltrates. All the patients received amphotericin B, and all of them died. The clinical specimens that showed Histoplas-ma capsulatum were bone marrow biopsy and bronchoalveolar lavage. Conclusions. Systemic histoplasmosis was associated with patients with deteriorated immunologic system. The patients had clinical evidence of infection, respiratory symptoms and pulmonary infiltrates. In immunocompromised patients with signs and symptoms suggestive of histoplasmosis, empiric antifungal therapy is warranted.

Keywords : Histoplasmosis; systemic; children; HIV/AIDS.

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