Histoplasmosis
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admin 1 January, 2009
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An uncommon infection caused by inhaling fungus spores that infect the lungs. Spontaneous recovery is typical, although small calcifications remain in the lungs and affected lymph glands. While anyone can get histoplasmosis, it is found most often among those with an impaired immune system, such as AIDS patients.
Infection confers immunity. The disease is most common in the Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys.
Cause
Histoplasmosis is caused by the organism Histoplasma capsulatum, which is a single budding yeast at body temperature, and a mold at room temperature. The fungus is spread by airborne spores from soil contaminated with bird droppings and is commonly found in the Mississippi River Valley.
The fungal infection enters the body when a child breathes in spores of the fungus from dried bird droppings. In addition to the lungs, the fungus may occasionally invade other parts of the body. Birds (especially chickens), bats, dogs, cats, rats, skunks, opossums, foxes, and other animals also can get the disease and may play a role in spreading it. Outbreaks may occur in groups with common exposure to bird or bat droppings, or recently disturbed soil in chicken coops, caves, or elsewhere. Person to-person spread of the disease does not occur. Past infection with histoplasmosis usually reduces chances of getting the disease again, but permanent immunity does not occur.
Symptoms
Most infected children do not have any symptoms. Those who do will experience mild to severe fever, malaise, cough, and swollen lymph nodes between five and 18 days after exposure. Progressive histoplasmosis is a sometimes-fatal generalized form of the disease, characterized by ulcers in the mouth and nose, enlarged spleen, liver, and lymph nodes, and serious lung infection.
Diagnosis
Examination and blood test will confirm the disease.
Treatment
Progressive histoplasmosis is treated with amphotericin B; less severe cases may be treated with ketoconazole.
Categories : Health and Wellness
