Recurrent poststernotomy mediastinitis due to histoplasmosis: The critical role of histopathology in surgical site infections

Abstract

This report describes the first case of surgical site infection due to Histoplasma  capsulatum. A 4 year-old presented with recurrent thoracotomy surgical site infection  (SSI) requiring multiple debridements until the correct diagnosis was performed. This case illustrates the critical role of histopathology in early recognition of unusual  pathogens causing SSIs.

Keywords: Histoplasma capsulatum, mediastinitis, poststernotomy, surgical site  infection