Disseminated Histoplasmosis Infection Diagnosed by Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing: A Case Report

Histoplasmosis is an endemic disease caused by Histoplasma capsulatum. This systemic disease can affect various organs beyond the lungs, such as the liver, spleen, adrenal gland, and lymph nodes. The clinical symptoms can range from asymptomatic to severe, life-threatening conditions, depending on the state of the patient's immune system. This report describes a 40-year-old male who presented with reports of weight loss, low back pain, and progressively worsening movement disorder of the bilateral lower extremities for months. Computed tomography (CT) examination showed multiple lytic lesions of vertebral bodies, bilateral ribs, and pelvic bone, histopathological examination and tumor-related serum markers exclude tumors. mNGS was employed to identify H. capsulatum var. capsulatum as the etiological agent of the lesions in the bone biopsy. Through phylogenetic tree analysis, Histoplasma capsulatum var. Capsulatum (Hcc) was the main responsible pathogen, rarely reported in bone lesions. The patient underwent spinal surgery and was successfully treated with liposomal amphotericin B and itraconazole. Based on the diagnosis and treatment of this case, we discuss the epidemiologic status, clinical presentations, diagnostic criteria, and treatment guidelines of histoplasmosis to provide additional information about this disease. mNGS is utilized in this case, and it appears to be a reliable method for early and accurate diagnosis of this disease.