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

Abstract Background: Concurrence of talaromycosis, an opportunistic infection caused by fungal pathogen Talaromyces marneffei and Kaposi sarcoma, the most common neoplasm in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has only been rarely reported. Despite poor clinical outcomes, clinical characteristics and management of these concurrent diseases in HIV-infected patients has not been 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 suggested Kaposi sarcoma. Talaromyces marneffei was isolated from blood cultures and supported talaromycosis. The patient presented significant resolution of symptoms following chemotherapy for Kaposi sarcoma and antifungal treatment for talaromycosis. Conclusions: Severe medical conditions such as Kaposi sarcoma and talaromycosis may coexist in HIV-infected patients, posing a high mortality risk. Etiological diagnosis and specifically directed treatment are vital for successful management of HIV-infected patients who develop these comorbid diseases