Histoplasmosis - disseminated
Definition
Disseminated histoplasmosis is a fungal infection that occurs after inhaling the spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum.
See also:
Alternative Names
Systemic histoplasmosisCauses
Histoplasmosis is caused by a fungus found in the central and eastern U.S. Mississippi and Ohio River Valley, eastern Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Most cases are mild or without symptoms. Acute pulmonary histoplasmosis may occur in epidemics. Progressive or spreading (disseminated) and chronic disease can also occur. In disseminated disease, the infection has spread to other organs from the lungs through the bloodstream.
The liver and spleen are usually enlarged, and all body organs may be involved. Ulcerations of the mouth or gastrointestinal tract may occur. Risk factors are travel to or residence within the central or eastern U.S., and exposure to the droppings of birds and bats.
References
What LJ, Freifeld AG, Kleiman MB, Baddley JW, McKinsey DS, Loyd JE, Kauffman CA. Clinical practice guidelines for the management of patients with histoplasmosis: 2007 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America.Clin Infect Dis, 2007;45:807-825.
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