Histoplasmosis.

The microbiology, epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of histoplasmosis are discussed. Histoplasmosis usually presents as a disseminated infection with fever and weight loss. Respiratory complaints, local or generalized lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, colonic lesions, and skin and oral ulcers may also be present. Diagnosis is usually made by culturing the fungus from blood or other clinical specimens, or by histopathologic examination of bone marrow aspirate or biopsy material. Treatment is usually lifelong since the risk of a relapse is substantial if therapy is stopped. A data table is provided for managing AIDS-associated histoplasmosis and the response rate percentage for each therapy used is given.