Histoplasmosis

Definition

Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection that often causes a respiratory illness.

Causes

Histoplasmosis is caused by infection with a fungus. Humans become infected by exposure to bird and bat droppings.

Risk Factors

Factors that increases your chance of getting histoplasmosis include:

• Having a job that puts you in contact with bird or bat droppings (such as an aviary)
• Being involved in activities that put you in contact with bird or bat droppings (such as cave exploration)
• Keeping birds as pets
• Living along river valleys
• Living in Mississippi, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, or Tennessee
• Living in eastern Canada, Mexico, Central or South America, parts of the Caribbean, southeast Asia, or Africa
• Having recently traveled to a location where histoplasmosis is common
• Having a medical condition that weakens your immune system (especially HIV)

Symptoms

Many patients may not have any symptoms.

Symptoms may include:

• Weakness
• Headache
• Achy muscles
• Joint pain
• Fever
• Chills
• Malaise (a feeling of discomfort or uneasiness)
• Hemoptysis (spitting out blood)
• Chest pain
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Weight loss
• Mouth sores
• Enlarged liver and spleen
• Skin rashes
• Loss of vision

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Tests may include:

• Blood tests
• Blood culture
• Sputum culture
• Pulmonary function test
• Skin testing
• Urine antigen testing
• X-rays of chest and/or abdomen
• Bone marrow tests

Bone Biopsy

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Treatment

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.