Histoplasmosis as cause of penile ulcer in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS): three case reports

Background Histoplasma capsulatum is the causative agent of American histoplasmosis. The relationship between disseminated histoplasmosis and AIDS has been well established. Widespread hematogenous dissemination of Histoplasma capsulatum in HIV positive patients can cause a plethora of clinical manifestations; virtually any organic system can be affected. However, genital ulceration by H. capsulatum in patients with AIDS is a real challenge during investigation of the infection due to the great variety of differential diagnoses that are involved. Method The diagnosis was performed by histopathologic study; H. capsulatum was detected by silver staining (Grocott staining) and confirmed by immunocytochemistry. Results We report three cases of histoplasmosis in patients with AIDS, in which we observed genital ulcers, an unusual form of presentation of this disease. In one of these cases, the treatment resulted in total cure. Conclusion The cases reported herein are to illustrate the plurality of pathologies and clinical manifestations, which may affect immunocompromised patients. The correct diagnosis of fungal diseases in these patients following well established treatment will improve the prognosis.