PCR detection of Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum in whole blood of a renal transplant patient with disseminated histoplasmosis

Ann Clin Lab Sci. 2009 Fall;39(4):409-12.

Abstract

We report the identification of Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum from whole blood in a renal transplant patient with disseminated histoplasmosis using colorimetric microtiter-plate PCR. This modality demonstrated utility in reaching a definitive diagnosis in a timely manner. Blood fungal cultures in this case remained negative, suggesting that molecular assays may facilitate the laboratory diagnosis of disseminated histoplasmosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Histoplasma / genetics*
  • Histoplasma / isolation & purification*
  • Histoplasmosis / blood*
  • Histoplasmosis / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Staining and Labeling