Fact-sheet: Histoplasmosis

Updated on 05/14/2025 at 6:24 PM

Note : 0/10

Definition

Fungal infection

due to Histoplasma capsulatum: American Histoplasmosis mainly affects the lungs, liver, and lymph nodes, and exceptionally the osteoarticular system.
is an imported, exogenous fungal infection, distributed in the eastern United States, French Guiana, and the West Indies, affecting immunocompetent individuals in endemic areas as well as immunocompromised patients.
due to Histoplasma duboisii:
African Histoplasmosis affects the skin and osteoarticular system, and less commonly the lungs than American Histoplasmosis.
endemic in West and Central Africa
is endemic in Central and West Africa.

American Histoplasmosis

Benign, asymptomatic forms discovered incidentally are the most common
Symptomatic forms: benign primary infection with a flu-like presentation, florid bronchopulmonary form with gastrointestinal symptoms, disseminated form with multi-organ involvement (immunocompromised patients), chronic pulmonary form

African Histoplasmosis

American Histoplasmosis:

Single or multiple pseudotumoral pulmonary nodule(s) = histoplasmoma(s). Round, homogeneous, measuring 1 to 4 cm, without lymphadenopathy, sometimes with lamellar calcifications
Gangliotumoral complex
Small calcifications surrounded by a clear halo, scattered throughout both lung fields: indicating healing

African Histoplasmosis:

Bronchoalveolar lavage

Sputum analysis

Smear of the ulcerations

Biopsy with pathological and mycological analysis