[Imported cases of histoplasmosis]. / Cas importés d'histoptasmose.

ABSTRACT

Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection that may be opportunistic in the context of HIV. Rare in Europe, it is always imported. The two variants of histoplasmosis are encountered in defined geographic areas var. capsulatum in Americas, Africa and Asia; and var duboisii in Africa only. In immuno-competent patients, acute infection is often asymptomatic, or it may cause a pulmonary syndrome of variable severity. Among immuno-compromised patients, histoplasmosis is disseminated and life-threatening. Diagnosis is typically made by cultures. The treatment of the disseminated form must be started immediately with anti-fungal therapy and highly active anti-retroviral treatment. In a globalized world, one has to remember the importation of unusual exotic diseases.