Histoplasmosis and coccidioidomycosis in individuals with AIDS. A clinical review.

Histoplasmosis and coccidioidomycosis are serious opportunistic infections in patients with AIDS residing in endemic areas of the United States and Central and South America. Prompt diagnosis requires knowledge of the clinical syndromes and diagnostic tests as well as a high index of clinical suspicion. Histoplasmosis responds well to a variety of treatments but relapses without chronic suppressive antifungal therapy. Improvements in treatment are needed in coccidioidomycosis. Research is needed to identify preventive strategies in at risk patients. These may include use of prophylactic antifungal therapy or vaccination.