Disseminated Penicillium marneffei infection as an imported disease in HIV-1 infected patients. Description of two cases and a review of the literature.

Two cases of disseminated Penicillium marneffei infection, as an imported disease, in HIV-1-infected patients with a severe immunodeficiency are reported. These patients had a history of travel in Southeast Asia where P. marneffei is endemic. Fever, cough, malaise, hepatosplenomegaly, anaemia, skin lesions and mucosal ulcers are the main clinical characteristics. Differentiation from histoplasmosis and leishmaniasis might be difficult. Treatment with amphotericin B was successful. Anti-fungal maintenance therapy is most likely indicated.