Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Histoplasmosis capsulati and duboisii in Europe: The impact of the HIV pandemic, travel and immigration

  • Published:
European Journal of Epidemiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The present report describes a fatal case of imported AIDS-related disseminated histoplasmosis capsulati infection associated with multiple coexisting infections, diagnosed with cultural recovery ofHistoplasma capsulation var.capsulatum with a commercial radiometricMycobacterium medium. The epidemiological and clinical features of histoplasmosis capsulati and duboisii in Europe are reviewed by examining also 69 documented cases ofHistoplasma capsulatum var.capsulatum infection (25 in AIDS patients) and 17 cases ofHistoplasma capsulatum var.duboisii infection (3 in HIV-infected patients), described since 1980. This draws special attention to the role played during recent years by the emergence of the HIV pandemic and the progressive intensification of travel and immigration as risk factors for this disease in our continent. AIDS patients, who are prone to multiple concurrent opportunistic infections which may share clinical and laboratory features with each other and with other HIV-associated diseases, represent the most relevant current group at risk for severe disseminated histoplasmosis, which may come to medical attention far from their place of origin.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Altes J, Salas A, Riera M, Udina M, Galmes A, Balanzat J, Ballestreros A, Buades J, Salva F, Villalonga C. Visceral leishmaniasis: Another HIV-associated opportunistic infection? AIDS 1991; 5: 201–207.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Altucci P, Catalano G, Gattoni A. Considerazioni su alcuni casi di micosi di interesse internistico di osservazione personale. Giorn Mal Inf Parass 1977; 29: 318–322.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Ankobiah WA, Vaidya K, Powell S, Carrasco M, Allam A, Checani V, Kamholz SL. Disseminated histoplasmosis in AIDS. Clinicopathologic features in seven patients from a non-endemic area. NY State J Med 1990; 90: 234–238.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Apperloo AJ, Nelis GF. Asian form of disseminated histoplasmosis diagnosed by CT- guided biopsy of the adrenals, treated with ketoconazole. Neth J Med 1988; 33: 225–231.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Arendt V, Coremans-Pelseneer J, Gottlob R, Bril T, Bujan-Boza W, Fondu P. African histoplasmosis in a Belgian AIDS patient. Mycoses 1991; 34: 59–61.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Aubry P, Arnoux D, Cornen L, Courtois D, Durand G, Maistre B. Un cas d'histoplasmose disseminée àHistoplasma capsulatum. Ann Méd Interne (Paris) 1980; 131: 95–98.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Brett MT, Kwan JTC, Bending MR. Caecal perforation in a renal transplant patient with disseminated histoplasmosis. J Clin Pathol 1988; 41: 992–995.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Brivet F, Roulot D, Naveau S, Delfraissy JF, Goujard C, Tertian G, Cartier I, Drohuet E, Dupont B. The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: Histoplas mosis. Ann Intern Med 1986; 104: 447.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Centers for Disease Control. Revision of the case definition of acquired immune deficiency syndrome for national reporting — United States. MMWR 1985; 34: 373–380.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Costello C, Rule S, Shanson D, Mir N. Bone-marrow diagnosis of opportunistic infections in HIV disease. AIDS 1992; 6: 1559–1560.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Couprie B, Vignolly B, Guiguen C, Boisseau-Lebreuil MT, Geniaux M, Texier L. Lesions ulcerovegetantes der cavites nasales et buccale àHistoplasma capsulatum d'origine africaine. Bull Soc Fr Mycol Méd 1986; 15: 227–232.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Dallot A, Monsuez JJ, Chanu B, Vittecocq D, Verola O, Badillet G, Rouffy J, Morel P, Puissant A. Localisations cutanées d'une histoplasmose diss éminée àHistoplasma capsulatum au cors d'un cas d'immunodéficience acquise. Ann Dermatol Vénéréol 1988; 115: 441–447.

    Google Scholar 

  13. De Closets F, Rossazza C, Bella L, Marduel M. A propos de lesions ophthalmologiques de type histoplasmique observées a Tours. Bull Soc Fr Mycol Méd 1990; 19: 91–94.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Deluol AM, Marche C, Bizet C, Katlama C. Histoplasmose disséminée au cours du syndrome d'immuno-dépression acquise (SIDA). Bull Soc Fr Mycol Méd 1987; 16: 363–366.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Depre G, Coremans-Pelseneer J, Peeters P, Rickaert F, Stuelens M, Serruys E. Histoplasmose africaine disseminée associée a un syndrome d'immunodeficience acquise. Bull Soc Fr Mycol Méd 1987; 16: 75–80.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Dero M, Bouleau-Desbordes O, Leturgie C, Humbert G, Brasseur P. Un cas d'histoplasmose surrénalienne traité avec succès par l'itraconazole. J Mycol Méd 1992; 2: 92–94.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Diamond RD. The growing problem of mycoses in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. Rev Infect Dis 1991; 13: 480–486.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Diaz Lobato S, Garcia Satuè JL, Villasante S, Villamor J. Histoplasmosis diseminada en un paciente afecto de sindrome de immunodeficiencia adquirida. Med Clin Barc 1988; 90: 40.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Dietrich PY, Pugin P, Regamey C, Bille J. Disseminated histoplasmosis and AIDS in Switzerland. Lancet 1986 (ii): 752.

  20. Donhuijsen K, Samandari S. Tiefe Mykosen bei Leukömien und malignen Lymphomen. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 1985; 110: 903–907.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Dupont B, Drohuet E. L'histoplasmose en oto-rhinolaryngologie. Ann Oto Laryng (Paris) 1982; 99: 547–551.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Dupont B, Sansonetti P, Fleury J, Ravisse P, Drohuet E. Histoplasmose septicémique au cours de SIDA. Presence inhabituelled'Histoplasma capsulatum dans les polynucl éaries. Méd Mal Infect 1984; 14: 621–624.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Dupoy-Camet J, Villette B, Thuliez M, Noizat F, Moyal M, Vedel G, Lapierre J. Histoplasmose disseminée chez un malade grand voyageur, atteint de SIDA. Bull Soc Fr Mycol Méd 1987; 16: 81–84.

    Google Scholar 

  24. Gandola L, Confalonieri M, Aiolfi S, Scartabellati A, Patrini G, Ghio L, Mauri F. Histoplasmosis in an HIV-negative Italian man with mycosis fungoides. Panminerva Med 1992; 34: 93–95.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Gari-Toussaint M, Marty P, LeFichoux Y, Loubiere R. Histoplasmose d'importation àHistoplasma capsulatum. Données biocliniques et therapeutiques vanees a propos de trois cas observes dans les alpes maritimes. Bull Soc Fr Mycol Méd 1987; 16: 85–90.

    Google Scholar 

  26. Gentilini M, Brucker G, Danis M, Lebas J, Mogahed A, Felix H. Dix cas d'histoplasmose: Aspects cliniques, biologiques et thérapeutiques. Ann Méd Interne (Paris) 1980; 131: 209–212.

    Google Scholar 

  27. Gibb WRG, Ramay AD, McNeil NI, Wrong OM. Bilateral adrenal masses. Br Med J 1987; 291: 203–204.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Greybill JR. Histoplasmosis and AIDS. J Infect Dis 1988; 158: 623–625.

    Google Scholar 

  29. Gumaa SA, Ahmed MA, Hassan ME, Hassan AM. A case of African histoplasmosis from Sudan. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 1988; 82: 2503–2505.

    Google Scholar 

  30. Heyligenberg R, Kuijper EJ, Danner SA. Gegeneraliseerde histoplasmose bij 3 patiënten met een HIV-infektie. Ned T Geneeskd 1990; 134: 1793–1796.

    Google Scholar 

  31. Hitchcock HT. Pulmonary histoplasmosis. Irish J Med Sci 1980; 149: 485.

    Google Scholar 

  32. Huang CT, McGarry T, Cooper S, Saunders R, Andavolu R. Disseminated histoplasmosis in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: Report of five cases from a nonendemic area. Arch Intern Med 1987; 147: 1181–1183.

    Google Scholar 

  33. Huss R, Landolt U, Schar G, Graminger P, Schwery S, Meyenberger C, Waller C, Siegenthaler W, Luthy R, Vogt M. Disseminerte Histoplasmose als erste Manifestation einer HIV-Infektion. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 1990; 115: 1353–1357.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Jaussaud R, Riche O, Puygauthier-Toubas D, Rouger C, Strady A, Remy G, Deville J. Histoplasmose disséminée et SIDA: trois observationes. Méd Malad Infect 1991; 21: 746–749.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Johnson PC, Khardosi N, Najjar AF, Butt F, Mansell PWA, Sarosi GA. Progressive disseminated histoplasmosis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Am J Med 1988; 85: 152–158.

    Google Scholar 

  36. Johnston AW, Postlethwaite R, Ewen SWB, Hay RJ. Disseminated histoplasmosis. J Infect 1984; 9: 79–82.

    Google Scholar 

  37. Joore JC, Mareelis JH, Sie Go DM, Borleffs JC, Hoepelman IM.Histoplasma capsulatum-infectie een voor Nederland ongewone manifestatie van de ziekte AIDS. Ned T Geneeskd 1990; 134: 1908–1910.

    Google Scholar 

  38. Kaben U, Westphal HJ, Schütt C, Skierlo P. African histoplasmosis: Immunological parameters and treatment with ketoconazole. Mykosen 1982; 25: 546–557.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Kell PD, Smith DE, Barton SE, Midgley J, Samarasinghe PL, Gazzard BG. Disseminated histoplasmosis in an AIDS patient treated with itraconazole. Genitour Med 1991; 67: 342–344.

    Google Scholar 

  40. Kurtin PJ, McKinsey DS, Gupta MR, Driks M. Histoplasmosis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: Hematologic and bone marrow manifestations. Am J Clin Pathol 1990; 93: 367–372.

    Google Scholar 

  41. Lefeuillade A, Delbeke E, Filippi JF, Franck J, Pellegrino P, Chaffanjon P, Quilichini R. Association d'une leishmaniose et d'une toxoplasmose medullaires au cours de l'infection par le VIH-1. Presse Méd 1992; 21: 1083.

    Google Scholar 

  42. Loubière R, Tereau Y, Grunenwald J, Marty P, Saint Paul MC. Histoplasmose buccale. A propos d'un cas de diagnostic histopathologique délicat. Ann Pathol 1988; 8: 328–331.

    Google Scholar 

  43. Lund OE, Seeliger HPR. Zur okulären Histoplasmose. Klin Monats Augenheilkd 1982; 181: 273–275.

    Google Scholar 

  44. Madden M, Kennedy JD, Hitchcock HT, O'Beirn D. Chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis in an Irishman. Thorax 1981; 36: 705–706.

    Google Scholar 

  45. Marche C, Tabbara W, Matthiessen L. La moelle osseuse au cours de l'infection par le virus de l'immunodeficience humaine: Etude biopsique de 125 cases. Ann Méd Interne (Paris) 1992; 143: 191–197.

    Google Scholar 

  46. Marjolet M, Vermeil C. Histoplasmosis duboisii. Notes and comments on two African cases observed in Nantes. Mykosen 1984; 27: 547–551.

    Google Scholar 

  47. Masini T, Ghidoni P, Riviera L. Mycoses in immuno-compromised patients: A histopathologic study of 61 cases. Boll Ist Sieroter (Milan) 1988; 67: 232–240.

    Google Scholar 

  48. McKinsey DS, Gupta MR, Riddler SA, Driks MR, Smith DL, Kurtin PJ. Long-term amphotericin B therapy for disseminated histoplasmosis in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Ann Intern Med 1989; 111: 655–659.

    Google Scholar 

  49. Medrano FJ, Hernandez-Quero J, Jimenez E, Pineda JA, Rivero A, Sanchez-Quyano A, Velez ID, Viciana P, Castillo R, Rejes MJ, Carvajal F, Leal M, Lissen E. Visceral leishmaniasis in HIV-infected individuals: A common opportunistic infection in Spain? AIDS 1992; 6: 1499–1503.

    Google Scholar 

  50. Merz WG, Kodsy S, Merz C. Recovery ofHistoplasma capsulatum from blood in a commercial radiometric Mycobacterium medium. J Clin Microbiol 1992; 30: 237–239.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Milatovic D, Voss A. Efficacy of fluconazole in the treatment of systemic fungal infections. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 1992; 11: 395–402.

    Google Scholar 

  52. Mongeal E, Balduin MT, Voloch A, Souquet PJ, Pinet S, Piens MA, Guilbert B, Bernard JP. Histoplasmose pulmonaire àHistoplasma capsulatum. Rev Malad Respir 1991; 8: 495–497.

    Google Scholar 

  53. Peeters P, Depré G, Rickaert F, Coremans-Pelseneer J, Serruys E. Disseminated African histoplasmosis in a white heterosexual male patient patient with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Mykosen 1987; 30: 449–453.

    Google Scholar 

  54. Petrini B, Gyllensten K, Jorup-Röström C, Rosen ML. Första fallet i sverige av generaliserad histoplasmos hos AIDS patient. Läkartidningen 1989; 86: 4101–4102.

    Google Scholar 

  55. Piens MA, Guilland M. Histoplasmose disséminée àHistoplasma capsulatum et sarcoïdose: A propos d'une observation. Ann Pathol 1986; 6: 65–71.

    Google Scholar 

  56. Pottage JC, Sha BE. Development of histoplasmosis in a human immunodeficiency virus- infected patient receiving fluconazole. J Infect Dis 1991; 164: 622–623.

    Google Scholar 

  57. Puente Puente S, Laguna Cuesta F, Jauregui Ibabe C, Martinez Santos P. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and disseminated histoplasmosis. J Infect 1989; 18: 101–102.

    Google Scholar 

  58. Ravisse P. Histopathologie de l'histoplasmose pulmonaire àHistoplasma capsulatum. Bull Soc Fr Mycol Méd 1980; 9: 255–258.

    Google Scholar 

  59. Ravisse P, Hulin A, Gentile B. Remarques histopathologiques sur un cas d'histoplasmose sistémique. Bull Soc Fr Mycol Méd 1982; 11: 317–320.

    Google Scholar 

  60. Rinaldi MG Histoplasmosis in AIDS patients. In: Vanden Bossche H, Mackenzie DWR, Cauwenbergh G, Van Cutsem J, Drohuet E, Dupont B, Eds. Mycoses in AIDS patients. New York-London: Plenum Press, 1990: 163–170.

    Google Scholar 

  61. Rockstroh JK, Hachmann A, Molitor E, Tschubel K, Marklein G, Luster M, Ewig S. Ein Fall von AIDS-assoziierter Histoplasmose in Deutschland. Klin Wochenschr 1991; 69: 325–329.

    Google Scholar 

  62. Salzman SH, Smith RL, Aranda CP. Histoplasmosis in patients at risk for the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in a non-endemic setting. Chest 1988; 93: 916–921.

    Google Scholar 

  63. Sarosi GA, Johnson PC. Disseminated histoplasmosis in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus. Clin Infect Dis 1992; 14 (suppl. 1): S60-S67.

    Google Scholar 

  64. Schmidt BD, Wegmann W, Ochsner P, Gyr K.Histoplasma duboisii- Osteitis als Importkrankheit. Schweitz Med Wochenschr 1987; 117: 2016–2020.

    Google Scholar 

  65. Seeliger HPR. Probleme der Diagnostik bei Histoplasma-Mikose. Immun Infekt 1980; 8: 34–38.

    Google Scholar 

  66. Seeliger HPR, Kracht J, Bikfaln A. Grosszellige (africanische) Histoplasma-Mykose der Lunge. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 1980; 105: 609–613.

    Google Scholar 

  67. Smith E, Franzmann M, Mathiesen LR. Disseminated histoplasmosis in a Danish patient with AIDS. Scand J Infect Dis 1989; 21: 573–577.

    Google Scholar 

  68. Sotgiu G, Mantovani A, Mazzoni A. Histoplasmosis in Europe. Mycopathologia Mycol Appl 1970; 40: 53–74.

    Google Scholar 

  69. Tebib JG, Piens MA, Guillaux M, Colomb D, Garin JP, Tete R. Sarcoidosis possibly predisposing to disseminate histoplasmosis. Thorax 1988; 43: 73–74.

    Google Scholar 

  70. Tinelli M, Michelone G, Cavanna C. RecurrentHistoplasma capsulatum pneumonia: a case report. Microbiologica 1992; 15: 89–93.

    Google Scholar 

  71. Toledo D, Basset M, Jelen G. Un cas d'histoplasmose àHistoplasma capsulatum en Alsace. Guèrison par le kétoconazole. Bull Soc Fr Mycol Méd, 1982; 11: 321–324.

    Google Scholar 

  72. Tornieporth N, Disko R, Seeliger HPR, Emslander HP. Disseminierte Histoplasmose nach Tropenaufenthalt bei bekannter Sarkoidose. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 1989; 114: 1744–1748.

    Google Scholar 

  73. Youle M, Nelson M, Midgley J, Rowe I, Campbell C, Gazzard B. Histoplasmosis in an UK patient treated with itraconazole. AIDS 1990; 4: 602–603.

    Google Scholar 

  74. Valére P, Thomas D, Delcourt A. Accidents thromboemboliques, histoplasmose et fistule artérioveineuse pelvienne. Ann Med Interne (Paris) 1991; 142: 371–376.

    Google Scholar 

  75. Van Zeben D, Zijlman JM, Kuijpers TJA, Tinga CJ, Haak A. Disseminated histoplasmosis: Typical presentation with involvement of the adrenal glands. Neth J Med 1989; 34: 200–204.

    Google Scholar 

  76. Visonà A, Danieli D, Dante S, Armani A, Vaglia A, Figoli F, Meli S. Istoplasmosi polmonare nodulare bilaterale: Correlazione citoistologica. Pathologica 1991; 83: 197–200.

    Google Scholar 

  77. Wheat LJ, Connelly-Stringfield P, Kohler RB, Blair R, Connolly K, Garringer BS, Katz BP. Histoplasmosis relapse in patients with AIDS: detection usingHistoplasma capsulatum variety capsulatum antigen levels. Ann Intern Med 1989; 115: 936–941.

    Google Scholar 

  78. Wheat LJ, Slama TG, Norton JA, Kohler RB, Eitzen HE, French MLV, Sathapatayavongs B. Risk factors for disseminated or fatal histoplasmosis. Ann Intern Med 1982; 96: 159–163.

    Google Scholar 

  79. Zanini R, De Longis P, De Stefano G, Soscia F, Mascioli G, Perroni L. Osservazioni cliniche su un caso di istoplasmosi muco-cutanea. Giorn Mal Inf Parass 1987; 39: 968–969.

    Google Scholar 

  80. Zarabi CM, Thomas R, Adesokan A. Diagnosis of systemic histoplasmosis in patients with AIDS. South Med J 1992; 85: 1171–1175.

    Google Scholar 

  81. Zellweger JP. Traitement oral au kétoconazole d'un cas d'histoplasmose pulmonaire. Schweitz Med Wochenschr 1981; 111: 190–191.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Istituto Malattie Infettive, Università di Bologna, via Massarenti 11, I-40138, Bologna, Italy

    R. Manfredi & F. Chiodo

  2. Istituto di Microbiologia, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy

    A. Mazzoni & A. Nanetti

Authors
  1. R. Manfredi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. A. Mazzoni
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. A. Nanetti
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. F. Chiodo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Manfredi, R., Mazzoni, A., Nanetti, A. et al. Histoplasmosis capsulati and duboisii in Europe: The impact of the HIV pandemic, travel and immigration. Eur J Epidemiol 10, 675–681 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01719280

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01719280

Key words

Search

Navigation