# P-1734. Epidemiologic Characterization of Histoplasmosis in Costa Rica: A 16-Year Nationwide Study

## TL;DR

This study analyzed histoplasmosis cases in Costa Rica from 2000 to 2015, finding it mainly affects young adults and is strongly linked to HIV, with high mortality in some groups.

## Contribution

The study provides the first comprehensive 16-year epidemiological analysis of histoplasmosis in Costa Rica, highlighting demographic trends and mortality patterns.

## Key findings

- Histoplasmosis incidence was highest in males aged 20-49 and strongly associated with HIV infection.
- Mortality was highest in elderly patients and those without documented comorbidities.
- Geographic hotspots were identified in San José, Alajuela, and Limón provinces.

## Abstract

Histoplasmosis remains an important endemic mycosis in tropical countries, yet comprehensive epidemiological data from Central America are limited. We aimed to describe the epidemiologic characteristics of histoplasmosis in Costa Rica during a 16-year period.Annual Distribution and Demographic CharacteristicsAnnual Distribution and Demographic Characteristics of Histoplasmosis in Costa Rica, 2000-2015Clinical Characteristics and Mortality RatesClinical Characteristics and Mortality Rates of Histoplasmosis in Costa Rica, 2000-2015

Annual Distribution and Demographic Characteristics

Annual Distribution and Demographic Characteristics of Histoplasmosis in Costa Rica, 2000-2015

Clinical Characteristics and Mortality Rates

Clinical Characteristics and Mortality Rates of Histoplasmosis in Costa Rica, 2000-2015

We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study analyzing all histoplasmosis cases (n=434) registered in the national hospital discharge database of Costa Rica's Social Security System from 2000-2015. We calculated cumulative incidence per 100,000 population, analyzed demographic distribution, comorbidities, clinical presentations, and in-hospital mortality.Relationship Between HIV Status and Type of HistoplasmosisRelationship Between HIV Status and Type of Histoplasmosis in Costa Rica, 2000-2015Geographic Distribution and Seasonal Patterns of HistoplasmosisGeographic Distribution and Seasonal Patterns of Histoplasmosis in Costa Rica, 2000-2015

Relationship Between HIV Status and Type of Histoplasmosis

Relationship Between HIV Status and Type of Histoplasmosis in Costa Rica, 2000-2015

Geographic Distribution and Seasonal Patterns of Histoplasmosis

Geographic Distribution and Seasonal Patterns of Histoplasmosis in Costa Rica, 2000-2015

The cumulative incidence was 0.62 cases/100,000 person-years, with temporal variations showing an initial increase followed by a slight decline. Males were predominantly affected (73.3%; RR=2.68, 95%CI:2.17-3.31). Median age was 31 years (IQR:18-43), with 26% of cases in patients < 19 years and 59% between 20-49 years. HIV infection was present in 49.3% of patients, while 46% had other comorbidities including cancer (5.3%), chronic liver disease (2.5%), and kidney transplant (2.5%); 5.1% had no underlying conditions. Clinical presentations were classified as pulmonary (25.8%), disseminated (27.6%), and undetermined (46.5%). Overall in-hospital mortality was 14.5%, being significantly higher in disseminated disease (25%) and elderly patients (31.3% in 60-69 age group). Surprisingly, patients without documented comorbidities had the highest mortality rate (27.3%). Geographic distribution showed predominance in San José (36.9%), Alajuela (18.2%), and Limón (13.8%) provinces. Incidence peaks occurred during 2005-2006 (44 cases/year), with July showing the highest diagnostic frequency (12.9%).

Histoplasmosis in Costa Rica maintains a relatively stable incidence, primarily affecting young adults with a strong association with HIV infection. The unexpectedly high mortality in patients without apparent risk factors suggests potential delayed diagnosis or unidentified factors requiring further investigation. The disseminated form carries the highest mortality risk, emphasizing the need for early detection strategies, particularly in high-risk populations.

All Authors: No reported disclosures