Histoplasmosis and thrombocytopenic purpura: transmission by renal homotransplantation

TitleHistoplasmosis and thrombocytopenic purpura: transmission by renal homotransplantation
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1965
AuthorsHood AB, Inglis FG, Lowenstein L, Dossetor JB, MacLean LD
JournalCan Med Assoc J
Volume93
Issue11
Pagination587 - 92
Date PublishedSep 11
ISSN0008-4409 (Print) 0008-4409 (Linking)
Accession Number5317993
Keywords*Kidney Transplantation, Adult, Histoplasmosis / *complications / *etiology / pathology, Humans, Purpura, Thrombocytopenic / *etiology, Splenomegaly, Transplantation, Homologous / adverse effects
Abstract

Two patients with disseminated histoplasmosis are reported. One patient presented with severe thrombocytopenic purpura and splenomegaly. Histoplasmin skin test, blood and bone marrow cultures and smears, sputum cultures, and chest radiographs were negative for Histoplasma capsulatum. She died on the sixth hospital day from a massive intracerebral hemorrhage. Cardiorespiratory function was maintained until one kidney was removed for homotransplantation. The second patient, with chronic glomerulonephritis and uremia, received the renal homograft from the first patient. Initial signs of homograft rejection developed five days postoperatively. Diffuse thrombocytopenic purpura occurred shortly thereafter. Spores of Histoplasma capsulatum were observed in blood smears, in leukocyte concentrates, and in five-day leukocyte cultures from the blood obtained prior to death. Disseminated histoplasmosis was found in both patients at autopsy. The severe platelet deficit in both cases suggests that systemic histoplasmosis should be considered as a cause of thrombocytopenic purpura.To our knowledge, this is the first reported instance of direct transmission of Histoplasma capsulatum, and must be considered a hazard in homotransplantation.In vitro leukocyte cultures as a method for early diagnosis of certain disseminated fungous infections needs further investigation.

Short TitleHistoplasmosis and thrombocytopenic purpura: transmission by renal homotransplantation
Notify Library Reference ID692

Related Incidents