|
| CASE REPORT |
|
|
|
| Year : 2005 | Volume
: 71
| Issue : 3 | Page : 202-204 |
Penicillium marneffei infection: An AIDS-defining illness
JK Maniar1, AR Chitale2, Autar Miskeen3, Keyur Shah4, Alok Maniar4
1 Department of Dermatovenereology and AIDS Medicine, K. J. Somaiya Medical College and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
2 Department of Surgical Pathology, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
3 Thane, India
4 Dr. Maniars Clinic, Mumbai, India
Correspondence Address:
J K Maniar
69/2, Walkeshwar Road, Mumbai - 400 006
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/0378-6323.16241
A 29-year-old HIV seropositive male patient from Manipur presented with fever, cough, weight loss and asymptomatic papules and nodules all over the body. Differential diagnoses of secondary syphilis, histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis and penicilliosis were considered. Histopathological and mycological study of the skin biopsy tissue, and blood culture confirmed the diagnosis of penicilliosis. Although penicilliosis, an AIDS-defining illness, is restricted to Southeast Asia, more and more cases are being recognized in non-endemic countries.
Keywords: Penicillium marneffei, Dimorphic fungus, AIDS-defining illness, Amphotericin-B
How to cite this article:
Maniar J K, Chitale A R, Miskeen A, Shah K, Maniar A. Penicillium marneffei infection: An AIDS-defining illness. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2005;71:202-4 |
How to cite this URL:
Maniar J K, Chitale A R, Miskeen A, Shah K, Maniar A. Penicillium marneffei infection: An AIDS-defining illness. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol [serial online] 2005 [cited 2021 Jan 20];71:202-4. Available from: https://www.ijdvl.com/text.asp?2005/71/3/202/16241 |
| Introduction | |  |
0Penicillium marneffei is the only penicillium species that is a dimorphic fungus and can cause systemic mycosis in human beings. It is endemic in Southeast Asia and China.[1] The prevalence of Penicillium marneffei infection has increased substantially during the past few years. This increase has occurred exclusively among patients infected with HIV in endemic regions as well as in eastern India where the disease was not known before and where bamboo groves abound.[2] These groves are the habitat of bamboo rats which are putative carriers of Penicillium marneffei . Still, no reservoir for the fungus has been defined even though the soil is believed to be the natural source. The disease has now been reported among HIV-infected persons in Thailand, Myanmar (Burma), Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, northeastern India, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Southern China.[3] The first report of four autochthonous cases of indigenous disseminated Penicillium marneffei infection in HIV-infected patients came from the State of Manipur, India in 1999.[4]
| Case report | | |
A 29-year-old married male from Manipur who had never visited Southeast Asia presented with generalized asymptomatic skin lesions for six months, fever and cough with expectoration for two months, and significant weight loss. There were no oro-genital lesions. Multiple erythematous, discrete papules and nodules with umbilication, varying in size (5-20 mm) were situated over the face, chest, back and proximal parts of the extremities [Figure - 1]. Oral candidiasis was present. Systemic examination was normal. Differential diagnosis of histoplasmosis, secondary syphilis, cryptococcosis and penicilliosis was considered.
Investigations revealed Hb 8.1 g/dl, WBC 2800 / cmm, and ESR 120 mm at the end of one hour. ELISA test for HIV was reactive. Absolute CD4 count was 48/ cmm. Mantoux test was negative. Skin biopsy revealed granulomatous infiltrates rich in foamy macrophages in the mid-dermis. PAS and GMS stains showed spherical yeast cells with central septa within histiocytes[5] [Figure - 2], [Figure - 3]. Skin biopsy tissue and blood culture on Sabouraud's agar grew glabrous moist and red colonies with radial folds and the underside of the colonies showed intense red diffusible pigment diagnostic of Penicillium marneffei infection [Figure - 4]. Hyaline yeast cells were seen on KOH mount. Ellipsoidal conidia were detected on light microscopy of the mycelial phase of colony[6] [Figure - 5]. The patient was treated with Inj. Amphotericin-B 0.6 mg/kg intravenously daily for 21 days, followed by oral itraconazole 200 mg 12 hourly for three months. The improvement was evident by the disappearance of skin lesions, fever, and weight gain. The option of antiretroviral therapy was discussed with the patient but was deferred due to financial constraints.
| Discussion | | |
Penicillium marneffei infection is an important disease among HIV-infected in Southeast Asia. Discovered in 1956 from the bamboo rat Rhizomys sinensis in Vietnam,[7] Penicillium marneffei was first identified in an HIV-infected patient in 1988.[8] This infection has been predominantly reported from Southeast Asia where it has been reported to be the third most common illness that defines AIDS.[9] To date 46 cases of Penicillium marneffei infection were reported from Manipur-a northeastern State of India which was not known to be endemic for this infection before[2] and which shares borders with Myanmar, a country that has a high rate of HIV infection. Penicillium marneffei can cause focal or disseminated infection. Our patient suffered from disseminated infection. The incubation period of varies from a few weeks to many years. The common presenting symptoms and signs of infection are: fever of unknown origin (PUO), anemia, weight loss, and skin eruptions. These skin eruptions are classically generalized papules/nodules with central umbilication which may be confused with molluscum contagiosum, histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis. Generalized lymphadenopathy and hepatomegaly are common.[10] Most of the patients show absolute CD4 count less than 100 / c.mm. As Penicillium marneffei is an emerging pathogen, a high index of suspicion is required in areas which have geographical proximity to Southeast Asia, northeastern India and Bangladesh. History of travel to endemic areas was a major clue to diagnosis in a recent case from Vellore, India.[11]
The fungus is sensitive to amphotericin B, itraconazole, and ketoconazole. The current recommended treatment regimen is to give amphotericin B 0.6 mg/kg/ day for 2 weeks followed by itraconazole 400 mg/day orally in two divided doses for the next 10 weeks as corroborated in our case.[12] After initial treatment the patient should be given itraconazole 200 mg/day, as secondary prophylaxis for life, if highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) cannot be offered.[13] Penicilliosis requires further in-depth study with respect to its global distribution, natural history, pathogenesis and the impact of antiretroviral therapy.
| References | | |
| 1. | Wartman PD. Infection with Penicillum marneffei. Int J Dermatol 1996;35:6.  |
| 2. | Ranjana KH, Priyokumar K, Singh TJ, Gupta CC, Sharmila L, Singh PN, et al. Disseminated Penicillium marneffei infection among HIV-infected patients in Manipur State, India. J Infect 2002 ; 45:268-71. |
| 3. | Sirisanthana T, Supparatpinyo K. Epidemiology and management of penicilliosis in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients. Int J Infect Dis 1998;3:48-53. [PUBMED] |
| 4. | Singh PN, Ranjana K, Singh YI, Singh KP, Sharma SS, Kulachandra M, et al. Indigenous disseminated Penicillium marneffei infection in the state of Manipur, India: Report of four autochthonous cases. J Clin Microbiol 1999;37:2699-702. [PUBMED] [FULLTEXT] |
| 5. | Deng Z, Connor DH. Progressive disseminated penicilliosis caused by Penicillium marneffei. Am J Clin Patho 1985;84:323-7. |
| 6. | Nittayananta W. Penicilliosis marneffei another AIDS defining illness in Southeast Asia. Oral Diseases 1999;5:285-93. [PUBMED] |
| 7. | Segretain G. Description d'une nouvelle espece de Penicillium: Penicillium marneffein . sp. Bull Soc Mycol Fr 1959;75:412-6. |
| 8. | Piehl MR, Kaplan RL, Haber MH. Disseminated penicilliosis in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Arch Pathol Lab Med 1988;112:1262-4. [PUBMED] |
| 9. | Cooper CR Jr, McGinnis MR. Pathology of Penicillium marneffei . An emerging acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related pathogen. Arch Pathol Lab Med 1997;121:798-804. [PUBMED] |
| 10. | Supprartpinyo K, Khamwan C, Baosoung V, Nelson KE, Sirisanthana T. Disseminated Penicillium marneffei infection in Southeast Asia. Lancet 1994;344:110-3. |
| 11. | Varghese GM, Pise G, Michael S, Jacob M, George R. Disseminated Penicillium marneffei infection in a human immunodeficiency virus-infected individual. J Postgrad Med 2004;50:235-6. [PUBMED]  |
| 12. | Sirisanthana T, Supparatpinyo K, Perriens J, Nelson KE. Amphotericin B and itraconazole for treatment of disseminated Penicillium marneffei infection in human immunodeficiency virus- infected patients. Clin Infect Dis 1998;5:1107-10. |
| 13. | Supparatpinyo K, Perriens J, Nelson KE, Sirisanthana T. A controlled trial of itraconazole to prevent relapse of Penicillium marneffei infection in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. N Engl J Med 1998;339:1739-43. [PUBMED] [FULLTEXT] |
[Figure - 1], [Figure - 2], [Figure - 3], [Figure - 4], [Figure - 5]
| This article has been cited by | | 1 |
New Clinical and Histological Patterns of Acute Disseminated Histoplasmosis in Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Positive Patients With Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome |
|
| Jose E. Ollague Sierra,Jose M. Ollague Torres | | The American Journal of Dermatopathology. 2013; 35(2): 205 | | [Pubmed] | [DOI] | | | 2 |
Development of In Vitro Macrophage System to Evaluate Phagocytosis and Intracellular Fate of Penicillium marneffei Conidia |
|
| Sha Lu,Yongxuan Hu,Changming Lu,Junmin Zhang,Xiqing Li,Liyan Xi | | Mycopathologia. 2013; 176(1-2): 11 | | [Pubmed] | [DOI] | | | 3 |
First observation in a non-endemic country (Togo) of Penicillium marneffei infection in a human immunodeficiency virus-infected patient: a case report |
|
| Akouda Patassi,Bayaki Saka,Dadja Landoh,Awerou Kotosso,Koudjo Mawu,Wemboo Halatoko,Majesté Wateba,Komi Adjoh,Osseni Tidjani,Dominique Salmon,Palokinam Pitché | | BMC Research Notes. 2013; 6(1): 506 | | [Pubmed] | [DOI] | | | 4 |
Human Pathogenic Fungi in China—Emerging Trends from Ongoing National Survey for 1986, 1996, and 2006 |
|
| | | Mycopathologia. 2011; | | [VIEW] | [DOI] | | | 5 |
Penicillium marneffei Infection: Knowledge, Gaps, and Future Directions |
|
| Alanna Stone, Benjamin J. Park | | Current Fungal Infection Reports. 2011; | | [VIEW] | [DOI] | | | 6 |
Penicillium marneffei infection in Assam |
|
| Saikia, L., Nath, R., Mahanta, J. | | Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. 2010; 76(1): 75-76 | | [Pubmed] | | | 7 |
Comparison of 30% salicylic acid with Jessneræs solution for superficial chemical peeling in epidermal melasma |
|
| Ejaz, A., Raza, N., Iftikhar, N., Muzzafar, F. | | Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan. 2008; 18(4): 205-208 | | [Pubmed] | | | 8 |
Clinical manifestations of HIV infection in distinct geographical areas | [Manifestaciones clínicas de la infección por el VIH en diferentes áreas geográficas] |
|
| Iribarren, J.A., González, P.R., Prous, C.A., Arribas, M.V. | | Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiologia Clinica. 2008; 26(Suppl 5): 6-11 | | [Pubmed] | | | 9 |
Cavitary pulmonary disease |
|
| Gadkowski, L.B., Stout, J.E. | | Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 2008; 21(2): 305-333 | | [Pubmed] | | | 10 |
Manifestaciones clínicas de la infección por el VIH en diferentes áreas geográficas |
|
| José Antonio Iribarren, Pablo Rivas González, Concha Amador Prous, María Velasco Arribas | | Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica. 2008; 26: 6 | | [VIEW] | [DOI] | | | 11 |
Penicillium marneffei infection in a HIV infected child |
|
| Sharma, A., Hazarika, N.K., Barua, P., Dey, I., Tudu, N.K. | | Indian Journal of Medical Research. 2007; 126(6): 580-582 | | [Pubmed] | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
