Histoplasmosis caused by Histoplasma capsulatum var. duboisii is an endemic mycosis of sub-Satiaran Africa that usually affects the skin, subcutaneous tissue, lymph nodes and bones. We present a case of a 10-year-old immunocompetent girl with severe cutaneous and subcutaneous abscesses affecting the head and upper body. Microscopic examination showed polar budding yeasts and short mycelium compatible with H. capsulatum var. duboisii. Cultures were not possible but serology showed antibodies against both H. capsulatum var. duboisii and H. capsulatum var. capsulatum antigens. Presumptive diagnosis of histoplasmosis was done but treatment with itraconazole was inefficacious.
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