Concurrence of talaromycosis and Kaposi sarcoma in a HIV-infected Patient: A case report

Abstract

Background: Concurrence of talaromycosis, an opportunistic infection caused by the fungal pathogen Talaromyces marneffei and Kaposi sarcoma, a common vascular tumor in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has only been rarely reported. Despite poor outcome, clinical characteristics and management strategies for HIV-infected patients with comorbid Kaposi sarcoma and talaromycosis has not been very well described.Case presentation: A 33-year-old, HIV-positive male patient presented to the Department of Infectious Diseases at Wenzhou Central Hospital with cough, sputum expectoration, hemoptysis, rashes on the feet and violaceous plaques in the oral cavity. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed bilateral nodular, patchy shadows and lymphadenectasis. Skin biopsy and histopathological examination indicated Kaposi sarcoma. T. marneffei was isolated from blood cultures and suggested talaromycosis. The patient’s conditions significantly improved following initiation of antiretroviral therapy and chemotherapy for Kaposi sarcoma in combination with antifungal treatment for talaromycosis.Conclusions: Severe medical conditions such as Kaposi sarcoma and talaromycosis may coexist in HIV-infected patients and pose a high mortality risk. Etiological diagnosis and treatment are the key to successful management of HIV-infected patients who has severe comorbid conditions.