A case of Histoplasma capsulatum endophthalmitis diagnosed in Italy

Travel Med Infect Dis. 2013 Jul-Aug;11(4):256-8. doi: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2012.09.001. Epub 2012 Sep 20.

Abstract

Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum is a dimorphic fungus endemic in the eastern United States and most countries of Latin America. Sporadic cases of histoplasmosis have been reported in Europe, mainly in immigrants or people returning from highly endemic areas. We report a case of 64-year-old Italian man with endophthalmitis, an unusual presentation of H. capsulatum infection. The patient shows redness, blurred vision, localized pain in the right eye. H. capsulatum was cultured from a vitreous biopsy and yeast forms were seen at histology.

Keywords: Histoplasmosis; Ophthalmitis; Vitrectomy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Amphotericin B / administration & dosage
  • Antifungal Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Endophthalmitis / microbiology
  • Endophthalmitis / pathology*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Fluconazole / administration & dosage
  • Histoplasma / isolation & purification*
  • Histoplasmosis / microbiology
  • Histoplasmosis / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Itraconazole / administration & dosage
  • Male
  • Vitrectomy

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • liposomal amphotericin B
  • Itraconazole
  • Amphotericin B
  • Fluconazole