Progressive disseminated histoplasmosis in idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia an underdiagnosed combination - a case report

Abstract

Progressive disseminated histoplasmosis (PDH) usually presents as fever, anemia, leukopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy and pulmonary symptoms. There are few reports on the association of idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia (ICL) with histoplasmosis. We describe a 65-year-old female presented with a history of fever, papulo-nodular rash and significant weight loss and diagnosed as progressive disseminated histoplasmosis. All immunocompromised conditions were ruled out. In addition, her 2 consecutive CD4 counts were below 300. The patient was diagnosed with PDH associated with ICL. The patient showed significant improvement with liposomal amphotericin B and itraconazole. Absolute CD4 counts should be done in all cases of progressive disseminated histoplasmosis even in HIV negative individuals to rule out associated ICL.