Histoplasma capsulatum in Cayenne, French Guiana

Mycopathologia. 2012 Oct;174(4):331-4. doi: 10.1007/s11046-012-9550-y. Epub 2012 May 8.

Abstract

We carried out a soil sampling survey in September 2008 in central Cayenne, French Guiana, using molecular methods to assess the presence of the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Four of the 31 samples collected (12.9 %) tested positive by PCR, with confirmation of the result by DNA sequencing. H. capsulatum is therefore present in urban environments in French Guiana. These results provide additional support for the primary prophylaxis of AIDS-related histoplasmosis in French Guiana.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Environmental Monitoring*
  • French Guiana
  • Histoplasma / genetics
  • Histoplasma / isolation & purification*
  • Soil Microbiology*