Constance Lahuna, Tanguy Dequidt, Pierre Postel-Vinay, Sandrine Peugny, Marwan Haboub, Samuel Markowicz, Muriel Nicolas
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background:Histoplasma capsulatum is an environmentally acquired dimorphic fungus. Infection results in histoplasmosis, a clinical syndrome often underdiagnosed and that may progress to life-threatening disseminated infection not only in immunocompromised individuals but also, following high-level exposure, in immunocompetent hosts. Epidemiological data from Caribbean regions, and particularly from Guadeloupe, remain limited. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of all microbiologically confirmed histoplasmosis cases managed at the University Hospital of Guadeloupe between January 2014 and October 2024. Demographic, clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic, and outcome data were retrieved from medical records and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Forty-two patients met the inclusion criteria, corresponding to an estimated annual incidence rate of 1 per 100,000 inhabitants. The median age was 52 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 4:1. An underlying immunocompromising condition was present in 85% of cases, most commonly HIV infection (48%). Common clinical features included weight loss (97%), fever (89%), and pulmonary manifestations (81%). The mean time to diagnosis from hospital admission was 3.5 ± 10.3 days. Direct microscopy was positive in 67% of cases, and culture was positive in 88% of cases. Intravenous liposomal amphotericin B constituted the initial therapy in 71% of patients. Overall, the in-hospital mortality was 29%, rising to 40% among HIV-positive individuals. The 30-day survival rate was 71%. Conclusions: Histoplasmosis in Guadeloupe is under-recognized and associated with appreciable morbidity and mortality in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. The wider availability of rapid diagnostics and heightened clinical vigilance are essential to shorten diagnostic delays and improve outcomes in this Caribbean population.
期刊介绍:
Journal of Fungi (ISSN 2309-608X) is an international, peer-reviewed scientific open access journal that provides an advanced forum for studies related to pathogenic fungi, fungal biology, and all other aspects of fungal research. The journal publishes reviews, regular research papers, and communications in quarterly issues. Our aim is to encourage scientists to publish their experimental and theoretical results in as much detail as possible. Therefore, there is no restriction on paper length. Full experimental details must be provided so that the results can be reproduced.