Histoplasmosis is a disease caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Its symptoms vary greatly, but the disease primarily affect the lungs. Occasionally, other organs are affected. This form of the disease is called disseminated histoplasmosis, and it can be fatal if untreated.
Causes
Histoplasmosis is caused by infection with a fungus. Humans become infected by exposure to bird and bat droppings.
Risk Factors
H. capsulatum grows in soil and material contaminated with bat or bird droppings. Spores become airborne when contaminated soil is disturbed. Breathing the spores causes infection. The disease is not transmitted from an infected person to someone else. A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for histoplasmosis include:
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Having a job that puts you in contact with bird or bat droppings (such as an aviary)
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Being involved in activities that put you in contact with bird or bat droppings (such as cave exploration)
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Keeping birds as pets
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Living along river valleys
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Living in Mississippi, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, or Tennessee
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Living in eastern Canada, Mexico, Central or South America, southeast Asia, or Africa
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Having recently traveled to a location where histoplasmosis is common
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Having a medical condition that weakens your immune system (especially HIV)
Symptoms
Many patients may not have any symptoms. If symptoms occur, they will start within 3 to 17 days after exposure; the average is 10 days.
Symptoms may include:
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Weakness
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Headache
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Achy muscles
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Joint pain
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Fever
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Chills
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Malaise (a feeling of discomfort or uneasiness)
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Hemoptysis (spitting out blood)
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Chest pain
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Cough
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Shortness of breath
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Weight loss
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Mouth sores
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Enlarged liver and spleen
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Skin rashes
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Loss of vision
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.
Tests may include:
Treatment
Antifungal Medications
These may include amphotericin B or itraconazole. Patients with AIDS may require treatment with an antifungal medication for the rest of their lives to prevent further attacks of histoplasmosis.
Prevention
If you might be exposed to bird or bat droppings, wear a face mask. If you have a weakened immune system, completely avoid bird and bat droppings.
RESOURCES:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
http://www.cdc.gov
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Communicable Disease Control Unit
Manitoba Health
http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/index.html
Safe Canada
http://www.safecanada.ca/topic_e.asp?category=10
References:
Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment. Lange Medical Books; 2001.
Family Practice Sourcebook. Mosby; 2000.
Ferri's Clinical Advisor. Mosby; 2000.
The Little Black Book of Primary Care. Blackwell Science; 1999.
CDC
