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CLINIC CASE Histoplasmosis Solución
CLINIC CASE Histoplasmosis Solución
CLINIC CASE Histoplasmosis Solución
Jane and Joan were two avid “outdoors persons” in their mid-30s. In the past 5
years, they had been spelunking in southern Missouri, backpacking in northern
Wisconsin, and camping in Arizona. Most recently, they had been renovating
an old farmhouse in rural Iowa, and in the process had to tear down an old
chicken coop that was attached to the back of the house. About 1 week into
the process, they both suffered from a flulike illness, and Jane developed a
cough and shortness of breath. They went to the family practice clinic to get
“checked out.” At the clinic, Joan appeared fine, but Jane was noted to be quite
short of breath and appeared ill. The doctor thought it would be a good idea to
get a chest radiograph for Jane. Joan got one too, just in case. Jane’s chest
radiograph showed a diffuse bilateral pneumonia. Although Joan’s radiograph
did not show pneumonia, it was noted that she had a solitary nodule in the
right upper lobe.
1. What dimorphic fungal pathogens were Jane and Joan exposed to?
2. What constitutes a dimorphic fungus?
3. Aside from dimorphism, what feature is common to all of the endemic
mycoses?
4. Describe the life cycles of the six dimorphic endemic pathogens.
5. What do you think is the cause of Jane’s pneumonia? How would you
make the diagnosis?
6. How would you treat her pneumonia?
7. What do you think accounts for Joan’s lung nodule? How would you
make the diagnosis? How would you treat her?
Solución