Histoplasmosis : a pilot survey

Abstract

In view of the presence of the histoplasmosis disease along the Southern shores of nearby Italy where the fungus was cultivated from the soil, it was considered worthwhile to carry out a pilot survey to ascertain the local histoplasmin reactivity, even though so far no case of histoplasmosis has been diagnosed in Malta. The population chosen to be tested consisted of a selected group according to certain characteristics, whereby a Histoplasmin Skin Test was carried out by the Mantoux method in 461 persons. All tests gave negative results. Systemic primary fungal infestation is rare in Malta. The findings of the present pilot survey indicate that one is unlikely to come across endogenous histoplasmosis, yet, in view of the rapid increase in travel throughout the World, the possibility of meeting with imported disease has to be seriously considered.