Gastrointestinal histoplasmosis: A case report and literature review

Authors

  • Julia Hughes Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
  • Brett Martin Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
  • Farzana Hoque Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9281-8138

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v36i2.81065

Keywords:

Gastrointestinal histoplasmosis, Histoplasmosis, GIH

Abstract

A 33-year-old female with a history of renal transplant 18 months prior was transferred to our hospital with acute kidney injury after presenting with acute gastrointestinal symptoms. Computed tomography (CT) imaging suggested diffuse colitis. Her symptoms persisted on empiric antibiotics, and she developed hematochezia. Colonoscopy revealed discontinuous ulcers, and Histoplasma urine antigen was positive. Grocott's methenamine silver (GMS) staining of a large intestine biopsy revealed narrow-based budding yeast compatible with Histoplasma capsulatum. Itraconazole was initiated, and her symptoms improved within two days. This case demonstrates the importance of suspecting histoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms.

Bangladesh J Medicine 2025; 36(2): 154-157  

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Author Biography

Farzana Hoque, Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri

Farzana Hoque, MD, MRCP, FACP, FRCP is a caring, passionate & trusted physician leader with over 10 years of experience. She is an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine in the Division of Hospital Medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. She also serves as the Co-Director of the Medicine Sub-Internship. She is the inaugural Medical Director of Bordley Tower at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital. Dr. Hoque is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. 

The American College of Physicians has selected Dr. Hoque to receive the Young Achiever Award for three consecutive years. She is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards including the Caring Physician Award, the Attending of the Quarter Award, Excellence in Professionalism Award from Saint Louis University Hospital. She received the Clinical Award: Physician of the Year by SSM Health as the solo physician from all hospitals of St. Louis, Missouri.

Dr. Hoque serves as a Deputy Editor of the Journal of BMANA. She has been invited as a speaker at multiple regional, national, and international conferences. She also lectures for academic purposes. She is the President of the Society of Hospital Medicine St. Louis Chapter.

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Published

2025-05-05

How to Cite

Hughes, J., Martin , B., & Hoque, F. (2025). Gastrointestinal histoplasmosis: A case report and literature review . Bangladesh Journal of Medicine, 36(2), 154–157  . https://doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v36i2.81065

Issue

Vol. 36 No. 2 (2025)

Section

Case Reports