Histoplasm, coccidioidin and tuberculin sensitivity in Honduras.

Abstract

Summary and Conclusion 1. The results of a survey of skin sensitivity to histoplasmin, coccidioidin and tuberculin on the north coast of Honduras are reported. 2. Of 421 hospitalized patients, the histoplasmin skin test was positive in 47.7 per cent, doubtful in 5.2 per cent, and negative in 47.1 per cent. The coccidioidin skin test was positive in 1.0 per cent, doubtful in 2.1 per cent, and negative in 96.9 per cent. 3. Of 360 patients tested with tuberculin (P.P.D. 0.005 mg.), the result was positive in 89.5 per cent, doubtful in 2.2 per cent, and negative in 8.3 per cent. 4. Pulmonary calcifications were present in 84 (59.2 per cent) of 142 selected patients. Of these, 45.2 per cent were tuberculin positive, histoplasmin negative; 42.9 per cent were tuberculin positive, histoplasmin positive; 8.3 per cent were tuberculin negative, histoplasmin positive; and 3.6 per cent were negative to both. 5. These results suggest that, in addition to the high prevalence of tuberculosis in this area, infection with Histoplasma capsulatum is common whereas infection with Coccidioides immitis is rare.