Abstract
Histoplasmosis is an endemic mycosis caused by the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Some important manifestations of infection include acute or chronic pulmonary disease, histoplasmomas, progressive disseminated histoplasmosis, and central nervous system infection. Depending on the clinical presentation, site of infection and severity of disease, either amphotericin B preparations followed by itraconazole, or itraconazole alone have become the preferred treatments. Because prolonged therapy (6 weeks to 24 months) may be required, careful monitoring for nephrotoxicity in patients on amphotericin B preparations is necessary. In addition, in patients receiving itraconazole, vigilance for drug interactions and pharmacokinetic properties is warranted. Histoplasma antigen testing has improved rapidity of diagnosis and the ability of long-term monitoring for clinical response in patients with histoplasmosis.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 36-43 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Current Fungal Infection Reports |
Volume | 7 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 2013 |
Keywords
- Histoplasma capsulatum
- Histoplasmosis
- Itraconazole
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Infectious Diseases