THE DISEASE SPECTRUM OF HUMAN HISTOPLASMOSIS

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
This paper briefly reviews the accumulated knowledge of human histoplasmosis. Historical notes are presented on the problem of pulmonary calcification in nonreactors to tuberculin which led to the use of histoplasmin as a skin test material, and the relationship of sensitivity to pulmonary calcification is briefly reviewed. The epidemiology of histoplasmosis and the clinical interpretations of the histoplasmin skin test are briefly discussed. These studies led to the description of benign forms of the disease with healing by calcification indistinguishable quite from tuberculosis. Asymptomatic and symptomatic but benign forms are also described. The disseminated, progressive variety, with hematogenous spread to all organs or tissues of the body, completes the spectrum. All of these varieties remind one pathologically and roentgenographically of tuberculosis. Primary lesions have been demonstrated, as well as cavitary forms. Current experiences with therapeutic agents are presented. While the sulfonamides have little effect in vitro, they seem to offer some hope in the treatment of human disease.