What is Histoplasmosis?

An infection that usually happens by breathing fungus spores found in bat and bird droppings is called histoplasmosis. In most cases, people get the infection when these fungus spores become airborne during cleanup projects or demolition.

Moreover, bat and bird droppings can contaminate the soil which also can spread the infection. In such cases, farmers and landscapers are at increased risk of getting histoplasmosis. While in the U.S. histoplasmosis occurs mostly in the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys it may happen in other regions too. These include Central and South America, Australia, Asia, Africa, and others.

In addition, most people with this infection do not have any symptoms. That’s why they do not know they are infected but certain symptoms may occur in people with weakened immune systems and infants. Fortunately, there are different treatment options available even for the most serious histoplasmosis forms.

Symptoms

While a mild form of histoplasmosis does not cause symptoms, this infection may be life-threatening in some people. However, if symptoms occur, they commonly appear within 3-17 days after exposure. Check below some examples:

Sometimes, histoplasmosis comes along with joint pain and a rash. If you have a lung disease at the same time as histoplasmosis, you may develop a chronic form of this infection. People with a chronic form of the infection usually experience bloody cough and weight loss.

Severe Histoplasmosis

A severe form of this infection usually develops in infants and people with weakened immune systems. Severe histoplasmosis is usually called by doctors disseminated histoplasmosis and it negatively affects approximately all of the body including the liver, nervous system, adrenal glands, skin, mouth, and others. Without treatment, severe histoplasmosis is often fatal.

If you experience any of the previous symptoms or flu-like symptoms, immediately contact your healthcare professional.

Causes

The primary cause of histoplasmosis is spores (reproductive cells) of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. These spores usually float into the air when are disturbed by certain materials (such as dirt).

Generally, the fungus develops in damp soil rich in organic material (especially the droppings from bats and birds). Commonly, it occurs in chicken and pigeon coops, old barns, caves, and parks.

In any case, this infection is not contagious, which means it cannot pass from one person to another. Those who have had this infection cannot get it again. If it occurs again it will be milder compared to the first time.

Risk Factors

The chances that people with histoplasmosis will experience symptoms depend on the amount of spores they inhale. Check below people who are at higher risk of developing histoplasmosis symptoms:

  • Landscapers
  • Gardeners
  • Cave explorers
  • Demolition workers
  • Roofers
  • Construction workers
  • Poultry keepers
  • Pest control workers
  • Farmers

Who is at Increased Risk of Developing Severe Histoplasmosis?

People with weakened immune systems and children younger than 2 years old are more prone to develop a severe form of this infection. Check below for other causes of a weakened immune system:

  • Cancer chemotherapy
  • HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) or AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)
  • Corticosteroid medicines (such as Prednisone)
  • Medicines that help to prevent organ transplant rejection
  • Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis)

What Are The Possible Complications of Histoplasmosis?

While even healthy people may experience serious complications caused by histoplasmosis in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and infants complications can be life-threatening. Check below some of them:

  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome – This infection can damage the lungs which leads to fluid buildup in the air sacs.
  • Heart conditions – This infection can cause inflammation of the sac around the heart (pericardium). This condition is called pericarditis and it interacts with the ability of the heat muscle to pump blood.
  • Adrenal insufficiency – Damage to the adrenal glands also can occur due to histoplasmosis. These glands produce vital hormones that help the body function properly.
  • Meningitis – Inflammation of the membranes that surround the spinal cord and brain also can be inflamed. However, this complication occurs rarely.

Prevention

Usually, preventing histoplasmosis is difficult, especially in regions where the infection is widespread. However, the following steps can help you prevent exposure to the fungus. For example:

  • Avoid exposure – It is advised to avoid activities or projects that may expose you to fungus spores including cave exploring, raising birds, and others.
  • Disinfect contaminated surfaces – It is recommended to soak with water the soil you want to dig or the working area. It will help to prevent the release of spores in the air.
  • Respirator mask – To find the mask that will provide adequate protection against fungus spores you should consult the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Diagnosis

Sometimes, it is challenging to diagnose this infection because the symptoms are similar to other common health problems. Mostly, people with a mild form of histoplasmosis usually do not need a diagnosis but it is vital for those who suffer from a severe infection type. However, physicians usually suggest searching for the disease in the following samples. For example:

  • Bone marrow
  • Urine or blood
  • Lung secretions
  • Biopsy of the lung tissue (this is a test in which doctors get a small sample of the lung tissue and send it to the laboratory for testing)

Treatment

If you experience a mild form of histoplasmosis, treatment is not necessary. However, people with severe symptoms and chronic or disseminated histoplasmosis require treatment usually with one or more antifungal medicines. The duration of the treatment begins with 2-3 months to one year in severe cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can histoplasmosis be cured?

Mild cases of histoplasmosis usually do not require treatment, which means the infection goes away on its own. People with chronic or disseminated histoplasmosis need treatment otherwise may experience life-threatening complications.

Who is more likely to develop histoplasmosis?

An increased risk of getting histoplasmosis have people who work in contaminated areas, with weakened immune systems, infants, older people, and farmers. For more details, consult with your healthcare professional.

What happens if histoplasmosis is left untreated?

If you ignore the symptoms and do not get treatment for this infection, it may spread throughout the body, especially in the lungs. Sometimes, this infection can be fatal in older people and those with weakened immune systems.

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