Disseminated histoplasmosis with atypical cutaneous lesions in an Italian HIV-infected patient: another autochtonous case

Abstract

Disseminated histoplasmosis is recognized as a common AIDS-defining opportunistic disease in endemic areas (Americas, Africa, East Asia), while it is rarely described in Europe, usually in individuals returning from endemic regions, or following endogenous reactivation of a latent infection imported long before from overseas countries. However, reports of autochtonous cases in Europe suggest the possible, endemic presence of Histoplasma capsulatum in some European regions, such as the South of France or the Po valley in Italy. A case of disseminated histoplasmosis with atypical, papular and ulcerate skin lesions in an Italian HIV-infected patient, without history of travels outside his native region, is described. Our patient represents the fifth autochtonous case of AIDS-associated histoplasmosis described in Italy.