Penicilliosis in children without HIV infection-are they immunodeficient?

Background. Penicillium marneffei infection is indigenous to Southeast Asia. Majority of penicilliosis occurs in patients with AIDS, and less commonly with secondary immunodeficiencies. Penicilliosis is rare in otherwise healthy persons, but information on their immunological status is often lacking.Methods.From 1996 to 2009, we diagnosed penicilliosis in 5 children. Their clinical features, immunological findings, and genetic studies were analyzed. A systematic review of the English and Chinese literature was performed. Case reports/series on patients