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Histoplasmosis
Definition
Disease: | Histoplasmosis | ![]() |
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Category: | Respiratory diseases |
Disease Definition:
In case a person works in or around soil that contains a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum, he/she may get histoplasmosis, which is transmitted through airborne spores that people breathe into their lungs.
People who are especially at risk for histoplasmosis are construction workers, people who have contact with bird or bat droppings, landscapers and farmers.
Most people with histoplasmosis aren't aware that they have the infection because they never develop signs and symptoms. However, histoplasmosis could be serious for some people, especially infants and people with compromised immune systems.
Even for the most severe forms of histoplasmosis, effective treatments are available. However, these therapies could cause serious side effects and they usually involve extensive hospital stays. For this reason, people with compromised immune systems should avoid exposure to histoplasmosis.
Work Group:
Prepared by: Scientific Section
Symptoms, Causes
Symptoms:
Ranging from mild to life-threatening, there are several types of histoplasmosis. Although the most benign form doesn’t cause any signs or symptoms, serious problems throughout the body and in the lungs could be caused by severe infections. Usually, when signs and symptoms occur, they appear three to seventeen days after initial exposure.
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Causes:
The temperate regions of the world are where hisoplasma capsulatum is primarily found. This fungus is especially common in chicken and pigeon coops, old barns, parks and caves because it thrives in damp soil that's rich in organic material, particularly the droppings from birds and bats. |
Complications
Complications:
A number of serious complications could be caused by histoplasmosis even in people who are otherwise healthy. However, the potential problems are usually life-threatening in infants, people with compromised immune systems and older adults. |
Treatments:
Usually, if someone has a mild case of acute histoplasmosis, treatment won't be necessary. However, a person will most likely need treatment with one or more antifungal medications in case their symptoms are severe, or if they have the chronic or disseminated forms of the disease. The type of the illness, its severity and the patient's overall health will determine the specific drug and the length of treatment. Amphotericin B and itraconazole are two examples of antifungal medications that are commonly used. |
Prognosis: Not Available |
Dr. Hani Najjar
Dr. Tahsin Martini
Samir Moussa M.D.
Dr. Talal Sabouni
Yaser Habrawi , F.R.C.S.Ed
Dr . Dirar Abboud
Dr. Samer Al-Jneidy
Dr. Faisal Dibsi