Histoplasmosis is a lung infection caused by inhaling spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum found in bird and bat droppings. Symptoms vary in severity and can become chronic or disseminated, making it especially dangerous for those with compromised immune systems. Antifungal drugs can treat the infection, and wearing a face mask can limit exposure.
Histoplasmosis is a lung infection caused by inhaling spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. It is also known as Darling’s disease, after a doctor who has done a lot of research into the condition. As the fungus grows in the lungs, it can cause a variety of symptoms that vary in severity depending on the health of the patient and the extent of the infection. Many cases of histoplasmosis resolve on their own, but there are some circumstances where treatment is needed. This type of infection is especially dangerous for someone with a compromised immune system, such as someone taking immunosuppressive drugs to prepare for an organ transplant.
Spores of the fungus responsible for histoplasmosis are found in the droppings of birds and bats. People who work outdoors such as gardeners and construction workers are at a higher risk of developing histoplasmosis, as are people who work in attics and other areas where bats might hide. People become infected when airborne spores enter the warm, moist environment of the lungs, an ideal area for growing mushrooms. Within 17 to 17 days after exposure, histoplasmosis will appear.
In acute or primary histoplasmosis, the patient may develop flu-like symptoms such as fatigue and headache. A dry cough can be accompanied by fever and chest pains. Not everyone develops symptoms and not everyone seeks medical help for histoplasmosis, as they may mistake low-grade symptoms for signs of simple fatigue. Histoplasmosis can also become chronic, meaning it has been present in the body for a long period of time. Chronic histoplasmosis can be very dangerous, as the infection can cause long-term lung damage.
The most dangerous form of histoplasmosis is disseminated histoplasmosis, in which the infection travels to other parts of the body and begins infecting organs such as the brain and heart. People with disseminated histoplasmosis can die from the condition, typically after developing painful ulcerations, secondary infections, and neurological problems.
People with suspected cases of histoplasmosis will typically be screened for the fungus with X-rays, blood samples, or sputum samples. Histoplasmosis is completely treatable. Antifungal drugs can be used to kill the fungus, although the sooner these drugs are given, the more effective they will be.
Wearing a face mask while performing activities that could limit your exposure to histoplasmosis is a great idea. People with compromised immune systems may already be in the habit of wearing a face shield to minimize exposure to potentially harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi, in which case their risk of exposure is certainly reduced.
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