Skip to main content
Log in

Epididymal histoplasmosis diagnosed by isolation ofHistoplasma capsulatum from semen

  • Human And Animal Mycology
  • Published:
Mycopathologia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

An autochthonous case of epididymal histoplasmosis masquerading as tuberculosis in a 55-year-old male patient is reported from India. It was diagnosed by culture ofHistoplasma capsulatum from semen and by demonstration of the fungus upon re-examination of epididymal biopsy sections previously misinterpreted as tuberculous granuloma. The patient's main complaints were painful epididymal swelling, occasional fever and cough. He was treated successfully by excision of epididymis and vas deferens combined with amphotericin B therapy. This is believed to be the first case of epididymal histoplasmosis to be reported outside the American continent and the fourth of its type reported in the English literature. The case is also noteworthy in thatH. capsulatum was isolated for the first time from semen, and it underlines the importance of mycological culture of semen specimens for diagnosis of genitourinary infections of obscure etiology.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Wise GJ, Silver DA. Fungal infections of the genitourinary system. J Urol 1993; 149: 1377–1388.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Randhawa HS, Khan ZU. Histoplasmosis in India: Current status. Indian J Chest Dis 1995; 36: 193–213.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Mankodi RC, Kanvinde MS, Mohapatra LN. Penile histoplasmosis. Indian J Med Sci 1970; 24: 354–356.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Nayak RG, Ramnarayan K, Rao RV, Shenoy MG. A case ofHistoplasma posthitis. Trop Geogr Med 1984; 36: 309–311.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Talvalkar GV. Histoplasmosis simulating carcinoma. A report of three cases. Indian J Cancer 1972; 9: 149–153.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Boone WT, Allison F Jr. Histoplasmosis. Am J Med 1969; 46. 818–826.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Kauffman CA, Slama TG, Wheat LJ.Histoplasma capsulatum epididymitis. J Urol 1981; 125: 434–435.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Marans HY, Mandell W, Kislak JW, Starrett B, Moussouris HF. Prostatic abscess due toH. capsulatum in the acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome. J Urol 1991; 145: 1275–1276.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Orr WA, Mulholland SG, Walzak MP Jr. Genitourinary tract inolvement with systemic mycoses. J Urol 1972; 107: 1047–1050.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Zighelboim J, Goldfarb RA, Mody D, Williams TW, Bradshaw MW, Harris RL. Prostatic abscess due toHistoplasma capsulatum in a patient with acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome. J Urol 1992; 147: 166–168.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Bersack SR, Howe JS, Rabson AS. Inflammatory pseudopolyposis of the small and large intestine with the Peutz-Jegher Syndrome in case of diffuse histoplasmosis. Am J Roentgenol 1958; 80: 73–75.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Monroe H. Granulomatous orchitis due toHistoplasma capsulatum masquerading as sperm granuloma. J Clin Path 1974; 27: 929–930.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Jayalakshmi P, Goh KL, Soo Hoo TS, Daud A. Disseminated histoplasmosis presenting as penile ulcer. Aust New Zealand J Med 1990; 20: 175–177.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Preminger B, Gevand PS, Lutwick L, Frank R, Minkowitz S, Plotkin N. Histoplasmosis of the penis. J Urol 1993; 149: 845–850.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Gass M, Kobayashi GS. Histoplasmosis: An illustrative case with unusual vaginal and joint involvement. Arch Dermatol 1969; 100: 724–727.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Sills M, Schwartz A, Weg JH. Conjugal histoplasmosis: A consequence of progressive dissemination in the index case after steroid therapy. Annals Intern Med 1973; 79: 221–224.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Wise GH. Fungal infections of the urinary tract. In: PC Walsh, AB Retik, TA Stamey, ED Vaughan Jr. (eds), Campbell's Urology, 6th edn., Vol. 1, pp. 928–950, Saunders, Philadelphia.

  18. Johnston AW, Postlethwaite R, Ewen SW, Hay RJ. Disseminated histoplasmosis. J Infect 1984; 9: 79–82.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Tan V, Wilkins P, Badve S, Coppen N, Lucas S, Hay R, Schon F. Histoplasmosis of the central nervous system. J Neurol Neurosurg Psych 1992; 55: 619–622.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Larsen RA, Bozzette S, McCutchan JA, Chiu J, Leal MA, Richman DD. PersistentCryptococcus neoformans infection of the prostate after successful treatment of meningitis. California Collaborative Treatment Group. Annals Intern Med 1989; 111: 125–128.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Randhawa, H.S., Chaturvedi, S., Khan, Z.U. et al. Epididymal histoplasmosis diagnosed by isolation ofHistoplasma capsulatum from semen. Mycopathologia 131, 173–177 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01102897

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01102897

Key words

Navigation