Where is histoplasmosis endemic?

Infection causes histoplasmosis. Although the fungus that causes histoplasmosis can be found in temperate climates throughout the world, it is endemic to the Ohio, Missouri, and Mississippi River valleys in the United States.

Where is histoplasmosis most common?

In the United States, Histoplasma mainly lives in soil in the central and eastern states, particularly areas around the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys,1 but it can likely live in other parts of the country as well. The fungus also lives in parts of Central and South America,3 Africa,4 Asia,5 and Australia.

What are the reservoirs for histoplasmosis?

RESERVOIR: The primary reservoir for Histoplasmosis is nitrogen rich soils(1). Both bird and bat droppings will increase the levels of nitrogen in soils and are, therefore, often found to be contaminated with Histoplasma capsulatum(16).

Which are high risk populations for histoplasmosis?

Certain groups of people are at higher risk for developing the severe forms of histoplasmosis:

• People who have weakened immune systems, for example, people who: Have HIV/AIDS. 1–2 Have had an organ transplant. 2–3 Are taking medications such as corticosteroids or TNF-inhibitors. 2,4
• Infants 5
• Adults aged 55 and older 6

Where are areas with fungal infections?

Since fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, fungal skin infections can often develop in sweaty or damp areas that don’t get much airflow. Some examples include the feet, groin, and folds of skin. Often, these infections appear as a scaly rash or discoloration of the skin that is often itchy.

Where are places that fungal infections are common?

(See also Fungal Skin Infections Overview of Fungal Skin Infections Fungi usually make their homes in moist areas of the body where skin surfaces meet: between the toes, in the genital area, and under the breasts.

What factors might suggest a diagnosis of histoplasmosis?

Histopathologic examinations of bone marrow aspirate or biopsy material, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid or biopsy material from lung, sputum, urine or skin lesions are frequently analyzed for the diagnosis of histoplasmosis (5,7,24,100,101,140).

What type of victim is usually affected by histoplasmosis?

The infection usually affects the lungs and symptoms can vary greatly. It can sometimes affect other parts of the body, including the eyes, liver, central nervous system, skin, or adrenal glands.

What are the clinical features of histoplasmosis?

Fever, headache, malaise, myalgia, abdominal pain, and chills are common symptoms; usually, histoplasmosis is self-limited. Individuals exposed to a large inoculum may develop severe dyspnea resulting from diffuse pulmonary involvement. Joint pain and skin lesions occur in 5-6% of patients, mostly in females.

What is the causative agent of histoplasmosis?

Histoplasmosis is caused by the reproductive cells (spores) of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. They float into the air when dirt or other material is disturbed. The fungus thrives in damp soil that’s rich in organic material, especially the droppings from birds and bats.

How many people are affected by histoplasmosis worldwide?

Globally, about half a million people get infected with Histoplasma infection every year. However, approximately 100,000 people develop disseminated disease [18], with mortality rates, if treated, ranging between 30 to 50% [3,19,20], and 100% if not.

How does histoplasmosis spread?

How is histoplasmosis spread? The disease is acquired by inhaling the spore stage of the fungus. Outbreaks may occur in groups with common exposures to bird or bat droppings or recently disturbed, contaminated soil found in chicken coops, caves, etc. Person-to-person spread of histoplasmosis does not occur.