Diseases A–ZHistoplasmosis
Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention
Histoplasmosis is a disease caused by a fungus. It usually affects the lungs, but can sometimes spread to other parts of the body.
How do people get histoplasmosis?
Histoplasmosis is caused by a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum. This fungus grows in warm, moist places like soil. It grows especially well in the droppings of bats, chickens, pigeons, starlings and blackbirds. People get histoplasmosis if they breathe in air that contains tiny bits (spores) of Histoplasma capsulatum fungus.
Who is at risk for histoplasmosis?
People who work with soil, birds, or bats are the most at risk. This includes farmers with chicken coops, construction workers, gardeners who use chicken manure and people who work with birds. The fungus Histoplasma capsulatum is only found in certain parts of Canada.
Signs and symptoms of histoplasmosis
Overall, about 10% of people infected with histoplasmosis show symptoms. Children, elderly people, and people with weak immune systems (for example, from HIV infection) are more likely to show symptoms. Histoplasmosis symptoms can be mild or severe. The people that do have symptoms may feel like they have a flu, or may notice these signs and symptoms:
- fever
- chills
- headache
- cough
- fatigue
People who have histoplasmosis as well as an underlying lung disease like COPD (emphysema and chronic bronchitis) may notice the symptoms listed above as well as the following symptoms:
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- sweating
The symptoms of a histoplasmosis infection can appear 5 to 18 days after being exposed to the fungus.
How is histoplasmosis diagnosed?
Histoplasmosis is usually diagnosed by laboratory examination of a sputum (mucus) sample or a lung biopsy. If the sample shows Histoplasma capsulatum, you have histoplasmosis. Your doctor may also order chest X-rays and blood tests.
Treatment of histoplasmosis
Most people with histoplasmosis — especially people with no symptoms — do not need any medical treatment. People with symptoms are often treated with antifungal medicines, corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
What can I expect if I have histoplasmosis?
Histoplasmosis is generally a mild infection, but it varies. In rare cases histoplasmosis can be serious, or even fatal. If you think you have histoplasmosis, see your doctor. Your doctor can tell you what to expect.
How can we prevent histoplasmosis?
The easiest way to prevent histoplasmosis is to stay away from the things that may be home to this fungus, for example, soil or bird droppings. If it's not possible to avoid soil and bird droppings, people can wear protective equipment to lower their risk of infection. This handbook from the United States' National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health explains how to protect against histoplasmosis: Histoplasmosis — Protecting Workers at Risk.
|
