Histoplasmosis is a disease caused by a fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. The disease primarily affects the lungs. It may be disseminated to other organs. It is then called disseminated histoplasmosis. It is common among AIDS patients. It may cause non-specific respiratory symptoms in its acute stage. In chronic cases it resembles tuberculosis. Disseminated histoplasmosis is fatal if untreated. It is diagnosed by samples by the fungus in sputum, blood, or infected organs. Fungal antigens can be detected in blood or urine by ELIZA or PCR. It is treated by antifungal drugs (amphotericin B followed by itraconazole. Treatment with itraconazole may extend for a year in severe cases.
From the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Histoplasmosis
Frequently asked questions about histoplasmosis
Technical information about histoplasmosis
Histoplasmosis: protecting workers at risk
Sponsors