Histoplasmosis in Israeli travelers

Michael J. Segel, Judith Rozenman, Mark D. Lindsley, Tamar Lachish, Neville Berkman, Ami Neuberger, Eli Schwartz*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Histoplasmosis is a common endemic human mycoses acquired mostly in the Americas. We reviewed 23 cases of histoplasmosis in Israeli travelers; 22 had traveled to Central or South America and one to North America. Fourteen cases had been exposed to bat habitats and were symptomatic, presenting ≤ 3 months after their return. Asymptomatic patients (N = 9) were diagnosed during the evaluation of incidental radiological findings or because a travel partner had been suspected of Histoplasma infection, 16-120 months after their return. Serological testing was positive in 75% of symptomatic cases but only 22% of asymptomatic cases. Histoplasmosis should be considered in travelers returning from the Americas with respiratory or febrile illness within weeks of return, particularly if exposed to bat habitats. Travel history is essential in patients presenting with pulmonary nodules, even years after travel to endemic countries.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1168-1172
Number of pages5
JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Volume92
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jun 2015

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