Acute pulmonary histoplasmosis related to occupational roofing: A case report of two brothers

Martin  Gnoni; Timothy McCann; Adrian   Riva-Moscoso; Fortunato   S. Príncipe-Meneses; Diego   Chambergo-Michilot

doi:10.18502/cmm.7.4.8409

Martin Gnoni Department of Internal Medicine, Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
Timothy McCann Trihealth Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
Adrian Riva-Moscoso School of Medicine, Peruvian University of Applied Sciences, Lima, Peru
Fortunato S. Príncipe-Meneses School of Medicine, Peruvian University of Applied Sciences, Lima, Peru
Diego Chambergo-Michilot School of Medicine, Scientific University of the South, Lima, Peru

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/cmm.7.4.8409

Keywords: Fungal Histoplasmosis Ohio Spores United States

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Histoplasma capsulatum is the cause of a prevalent fungal disease in certain regions in the United States of America, like Ohio and the Mississippi River. Its clinical manifestations range from asymptomatic to life-threatening diseases,according to the immune system. A definitive diagnosis is made by biopsy.

Case report: Two middle-aged brothers presented with a nine-day history of severe progressive dyspnea. Both were living in Cincinnati, Ohio, and encountered bird droppings 7 days prior to symptoms while working on a roofing project. It should be mentioned that they were not wearing masks. After extensive testing, they were diagnosed with acute pulmonary histoplasmosis. Both were successfully treated with azole-derivative fungal therapy.

Conclusion: This is the first case of histoplasmosis acquired through occupational exposure related to roofing and is unique given the two patients were siblings.