Histoplasma capsulatum as a cause for prolonged pulmonary illness in an immunocompetent returning traveller from Bangladesh

Abstract

Fungal infections can be challenging to diagnose in returning travellers due to their non-specific clinical manifestations and changing epidemiology. We present a case of progressive disseminated histoplasmosis in a returning traveller from Bangladesh. The patient had a progressive and prolonged respiratory illness necessitating mechanical ventilatory support. The clue to potential fungal aetiology was provided by serum fungal markers - 1-3-β-D-glucan and Aspergillus galactomannan. Diagnosis was eventually made using panfungal PCR on bronchioalveolar lavage fluid.

Keywords: 1-3-β-D-glucan; Histoplasma capsulatum; Histoplasmosis; Panfungal PCR.