Disseminated Histoplasmosis Diagnosed in an Immunocompetent Patient from a Non-Endemic Area: Neglected or Emerging Disease?

Abstract

Histoplasma capsulatum (H. capsulatum) is considered to be one of the most extensively spread dysmorphic fungi worldwide. Histoplasmosis primarily impacts patients with weakened immune systems and can result in a diverse range of clinical manifestations. In immunocompetent patients, the disease may manifest as a self-limiting or asymptomatic infection; however, in immunocompromised individuals, it can occur as a debilitating, disseminated disease. Diagnosing histoplasmosis may be challenging. A medical professional that specializes in treating endemic fungal illnesses is better able to assist with an accurate and timely diagnosis since they have a deeper grasp of these illnesses. Consequently, the process of diagnosing histoplasmosis might be difficult for less experienced physicians. The case presented is an example of the myriad faces that histoplasmosis can take on, mimicking other common infectious or malignant conditions, leading to extensive work-up and invasive procedures in establishing the diagnosis of this otherwise benign condition. We hereby report the case of disseminated histoplasmosis in a young immunocompetent female patient.

Keywords

• <i>Histoplasma capsulatum</i>
• histoplasmosis
• disseminated histoplasmosis