Fatal misdiagnosis of progressive disseminated histoplasmosis

Abstract

Disseminated histoplasmosis is the form of a mycosis caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum that mainly occurs in immunosuppressed hosts, usually with non-specific symptoms. In non-endemic areas, where the disease is rarely involved in the differential diagnosis, a delay in treatment may lead to severe medical complications. Due to the rising prevalence of disseminated histoplasmosis in these areas, a thorough medical history is regarded as the decisive factor in prompt diagnosis of the disease.

We, herein, report the case of an immunocompetent Greek farmer with disseminated histoplasmosis whose condition was initially misdiagnosed, and the consequential inadequate treatment led to his death.