Histoplasmosis-associated hemophagocytic syndrome: a case report

Abstract

Hemophagocytic syndrome is a macrophage disorder that may develop as a result of immunological activation, such as that seen in severe infection. It has been described in persons with HIV/AIDS and in those with a variety of HIV-associated opportunistic infections, including those caused by Histoplasma capsulatum. If present, this disorder may portend a poorer prognosis. We describe an HIV-positive person in whom histoplasmosis-associated hemophagocytic syndrome was successfully treated.