Talaromycosis in Assam: a case report

Talaromycosis is an opportunistic infection caused by a dimorphic fungus, Talaromyces marneffei. We describe here a case of 38 years old HIV seropositive male patient from Assam presented with fever, cough, weight loss and discrete, multiple, umbilicated papules and nodules in face and upper trunk. Differential diagnosis of histoplasmosis, giant molluscum contagiosum and talaromycosis were considered. Histopathological and mycological study of skin biopsy tissue confirmed the diagnosis of talaromycosis. Primary treatment with amphotericin B and itraconazole showed promising results. Early diagnosis and adequate antifungal therapy are imperative to avoid the complications. Talaromyces requires further in-depth study with respect to its global distribution, natural history, pathogenesis and the impact of antiretroviral therapy