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Current Fungal Infection Reports
Published in: Current Fungal Infection Reports 1/2013

01-03-2013 | Current Management of Fungal Infections (Luis Ostrosky-Zeichner, Section Editor)

How I Treat Histoplasmosis

Authors: Ricardo M. La Hoz, James E. Loyd, L. Joseph Wheat, John W. Baddley

Published in: Current Fungal Infection Reports | Issue 1/2013

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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.
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Metadata
Title
How I Treat Histoplasmosis
Authors
Ricardo M. La Hoz
James E. Loyd
L. Joseph Wheat
John W. Baddley
Publication date
01-03-2013
Publisher
Current Science Inc.
Published in
Current Fungal Infection Reports / Issue 1/2013
Print ISSN: 1936-3761
Electronic ISSN: 1936-377X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12281-012-0117-7

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