HISTOPLASMOSIS
	A disease caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum
	ENTRY TO THE BODY Histoplasma spores produced by the organism are inhaled into the body Spores settle in the lungs and cause disease which affects the lungs
	CLINICAL FEATURES many manifestations : Often no apparent effects, often going unnoticed. The severest symptoms occur in those individuals already suffering from lung complications common cases - possibly no symptoms influenza-like illness, fever, headache, cough, myalgia, acute benign respiratory disease - possibly no symptoms spores enter the lungs general ill feeling, chest pain, dry cough, many acute cases resolve themselves chronic- often following acute disease resembles tuberculosis, can worsen over months or years almost exclusively occurs in those with lung dysfunction lung destruction and loss of function common disseminated - fatal unless treated. cells disseminate to organs of the body via lymphatics average length before symptoms is 10 days after exposure common in cancer and AIDS patients. similar to septic shock in HIV-infected persons. chronic cases lead to lung damage
	Image copyright (c) www.doctorfungus.org and used by permission	Image copyright (c) www.doctorfungus.org and used by permission
	TRANSMISSION Disease cannot be transmitted from infected person to another.
	RISK GROUPS infants/young children, over 50s chronic lung disease at risk for severe disease. construction, agricultural workers, immunocompromised, cancer, HIV, transplant patients. steroid and immunosuppressant drug users Those in endemic areas exposed to bird/bat droppings agricultural workers, construction workers
	INCIDENCE AND GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION United States, particularly in the river valleys More than 80 percent of people in these areas have been infected at one or another time by this fungus Some parts of Asia and Europe 10% mortality in HIV disseminated infected persons 10% - 25% OF HIV infected people in endemic areas develop disseminated histoplasmosis..
	DIAGNOSIS Skin tests show exposure to organism Blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes, sputum, skin, liver or lung Specimens can be cultured for the fungus Blood tests to reveal antibodies to the fungus
	TREATMENT AND PREVENTION Mild disease usually doesn't need treatment Amphotericin B via IV to treat serious cases AIDS patients require lifelong treatment due to high chances of relapse Past infection results in partial immunity Precaution - avoid areas infected with the fungus If working - wear disposable clothing and facemask Formalin in solution sprayed into the air will kill the spores.
	Organisms causing Histoplasmosis Back to Systemic Mycoses Main Mycoses Menu