Update of Penicillosis marneffei in Thailand. Review article

Abstract

Penicillium marneffei is endemic in Southeast Asia. Although Thailand is a country in this region, penicillosis marneffei was rare. It was found occasionally in immunocompromised patients. With the increasing incidence of HIV seropositivity penicillosis marneffei emerged as one of the major problems in HIV infected patients residing in Thailand. The common presenting signs were fever, anemia, hepatomegaly, lymphadenopathy. productive cough and a common skin manifestation as molluscum contagiosum-like lesions. The diseases should be considered in Thais and immunocompromised travelers with a history of visiting Thailand. Because the disease is potentially curable, prompt diagnosis and treatment will lead to better prognosis.