Seven imported histoplasmosis cases due to Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum: From few weeks to more than three decades asymptomatic period

Abstract

Histoplasma capsulatum is a nonendemic fungus in Europe. Epidemiological, clinical biological features and follow-up of seven imported cases in France were reported. These cases underlined the difficulties of such diagnosis in nonendemic areas due to greatly variable asymptomatic period, and lack of specific clinical signs. Thus, anamnesis should be carefully analysed; mucocutaneous signs and immunosuppression should be systematically investigated. Biological diagnosis requires multiple sites sampling and long-term conservation of culture medium.