Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by inhaling dust from spore-infected bird droppings. In the disseminated form, infection spreads throughout the body from the lungs. The disease progresses rapidly and death occurs in about 90% of cases.
Review Date: 11/1/2007
Reviewed By: Kenneth M. Wener, M.D., Department of Infectious Diseases, Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.