The importance of serological assays in diagnosing acute pulmonary histoplasmosis

• Published in: Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases
• Main Authors: RS Freitas, JO Carvalho-Vivi, IM Zamboni, CM Assis, JE Costa-Martins, AP Vicentini-Moreira
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: SciELO 2009
• Subjects: histoplasmosis; Histoplasma capsulatum; immunocompetence; serodiagnosis; bats; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Toxicology. Poisons; RA1190-1270; Zoology; QL1-991; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1590/S1678-91992009000200010; https://doaj.org/article/756d3e57c4cc4d4d96f5281915825afd

Histoplasmosis is a systemic mycosis caused by inhalation of Histoplasma capsulatum microconidia. The disease does not normally affect immunocompetent individuals after a single, transient inhalation exposure. However, longer exposure may cause chronic or disseminated acute pulmonary infection. Herein, we report the case of a 24-year-old immunocompetent patient, who presented fever, cough and dyspnea for one month. The chest radiography revealed interstitial infiltrate and diffuse micronodules. The patient reported having had close and prolonged contact with bats. Diagnosis was confirmed by positive double immunodifusion and immunoblotting assays. She was treated with ketoconazole (400 mg) and there was complete resolution of the disease.