Disseminated histoplasmosis and AIDS: Clinical aspects and diagnostic methods for early detection

Disseminated histoplasmosis in AIDS patients is the focus of this paper. Cu taneous lesions are reported as a frequent clinical sign. Bone marrow aspir ation and biopsy, blood cultures (lysis-centrifugation technique), bronchoa lveolar lavage, and skin lesion scrapings are the most effective diagnostic methods. The identification of a specific antigen in blood and urine may b e a rapid means of evaluation and follow-up of patients with this disease.