HISTOPLASMOSIS

HISTOPLASMOSIS = Disease

Histoplasma capsulatum (causative organism, mold)

Histoplasmosis is caused by the mold Histoplasma capsulatum. This mold is endemic to the eastern United States along the Ohio River Valley. The spores are found in soil contaminated with bird or bat droppings. When the soil is disturbed the spores become airborne and are inhaled. Histoplasmosis starts in the lungs and may spread in the blood and the lymph and cause a systemic mycosis.

Signs and Symptoms:

Three to seventeen days after infection fever, headache, cough, chills, chest pain, fatigue, body aches.