Penicillium marneffei infection in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. A report of two cases.

We present the cytologic and histologic features of two cases of Penicillium marneffei (PM) infection occurring in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients following a journey to endemic areas. PM closely resembles Histoplasma capsulatum, in both its morphology and tissue reactions. Distinctive histologic features and culture provide the definitive diagnosis. The presence of a PM infection in a human immunodeficiency virus-positive patient returning from an endemic area should be considered an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-defined illness.