Disseminated pulmonary histoplasmosis in immunocompetent patients: a common epidemiological exposure. Issue 3 (20th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Klein, Michael; Khan, Mirza; Salinas, Jorge L; Sanchez, Rolando
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 12:Issue 3(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-03-20
• Subjects: occupational and environmental medicine -- public health -- pneumonia (respiratory medicine); Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2018-227994
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : We describe the initial presentation, diagnostic work-up and treatment of three adult immunocompetent men who presented within a short time frame of each other to an academic medical centre with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Their presentation was found to be secondary to a large inoculum of histoplasmosis from remodelling a building with bat droppings infestation. We discuss the pathophysiology of histoplasmosis and highlight the importance of exposure history in patients with acute respiratory failure and why patients with the occupational risk of exposure to fungal inoculum should wear protective respirator gear.