Title : Outbreak of pulmonary histoplasmosis in Cienfuegos province
Abstract:
Histoplasmosis is a systemic mycosis of worldwide distribution caused by the inhalation of Histoplasma capsulatum spores. It is characterized by wide clinical variability depending on the fungal load, the patient's immunological status and the virulence of the germ.
Objective: To describe an outbreak of pulmonary histoplasmosis in four patients who worked in caves in Cienfuegos province.
Methods: Each patient was interviewed, and medical records were reviewed to obtain clinical, radiological, epidemiological and laboratory results.
Results: The outbreak arose from work in caves involving four people, three of whom developed symptoms and were admitted to the Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima Hospital in Cienfuegos for treatment.
Conclusions: The outbreak was caused by work in caves where the germ was present and by the failure to use protective equipment.
Keywords: Histoplasmosis, epidemic outbreak, protective measures, risk factors.
