How does penicilliosis present clinically?

Clinical manifestations are similar between immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. The most common clinical presentation is subacute with weeks of intermittent fevers, headache, marked weight loss, and anemia. The AIDS patients have an increased frequency of septicemia and mucocutaneous lesions. Skin lesions are a common manifestation of disseminated disease. Abscesses are common in non-HIV infected individuals. Cutaneous lesions are more diversified in the HIV patients and include molluscum contagiosum–like papules, pustules, acneiform, and morbilliform eruptions. Skin lesions are most common on the upper body. Delay in treatment is associated with 100% mortality in all patients. Biopsy and culture are used for diagnosis. Treatment options include itraconazole or amphotericin B in severe cases.