Histoplasmosis: Difference between revisions

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==Prevention==
==Prevention==
It is not practical to test or decontaminate most sites that may be contaminated with ''H. capsulatum'', but the following precautions can be taken to reduce a person's risk of exposure:
* Avoid areas that may harbor the fungus, e.g., accumulations of bird or bat droppings.
* Before starting a job or activity having a risk for exposure to ''H. capsulatum'', consult the [[NIOSH]]/NCID Document Histoplasmosis: Protecting Workers at Risk. This document contains information on work practices and personal protective equipment that will reduce the risk of infection.


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 15:21, 26 September 2012

Histoplasmosis
Histoplasma capsulatum. Methenamine silver stain showing histopathologic changes in histoplasmosis.
ICD-10 B39
ICD-9 115
DiseasesDB 5925
MedlinePlus 001082
MeSH D006660

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Synonyms and keywords: Ajellomyces capsulatus; Darling disease; Darling's disease

Overview

Pathogen

Symptoms

If symptoms of histoplasmosis infection occur, they will start within 3 to 17 days after exposure; the average is 12-14 days. Most affected individuals have clinically-silent manifestations and show no apparent ill effects.[1]The acute phase of histoplasmosis is characterized by non-specific respiratory symptoms, often cough or flu-like. Chest X-ray findings are normal in 40-70% of cases.[1] Chronic histoplasmosis cases can resemble tuberculosis; disseminated histoplasmosis affects multiple organ systems and is fatal unless treated.

While histoplasmosis is the most common cause of fibrosing mediastinitis, this remains a relatively rare disease. Severe infections can cause hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, and adrenal enlargement. Lesions have a tendency to calcify as they heal.

Ocular histoplasmosis damages the retina of the eyes. Scar tissue is left on the retina which can experience leakage, resulting in a loss of vision not unlike macular degeneration.

Treatment

Antifungal medications are used to treat severe cases of acute histoplasmosis and all cases of chronic and disseminated disease. Typical treatment of severe disease first involves treatment with amphotericin B, followed by oral itraconazole.[2] In many milder cases, simply itraconazole is sufficient. Asymptomatic disease is typically not treated. Past infection results in partial protection against ill effects if reinfected.

Prevention

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Silberberg P. "Radiology Teaching Files: Case 224856 (Histoplasmosis)".
  2. "Histoplasmosis: Fungal Infections: Merck Manual Home Edition".

Note: The original version of this article is adapted from the U.S. CDC public domain document at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/histoplasmosis_g.htm

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