Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is a disease caused by a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum.

This fungus infection is also known as Cave Disease or Spelunker’s Lung. It is frequently found in the Ohio River Valley area. It is also called Ohio Valley Disease.

Unlike the fungus or yeast in the body that we call Candida, H. capsulatum is contracted from inhaling spores from affected soil.

This fungus affects the lungs and respiratory system and is contracted from inhaling spores from the soil which contain bird or bat droppings.

Ocular H.capsulatum is another type of this fungus, which affects the eyes. It can damage the retina of the eye resulting in scar tissue and loss of vision, similar to macular degeneration.

This disease is common among Hiv Aids patients, as their immune system is already suppressed.

Common Symptoms of Histoplasmosis

• cough or flu-like symptoms
• non-specific respiratory symptoms
• can resemble tuberculosis
• acute lung infection
• tiredness
• fever
• chills
• dry cough

Many of these symptoms resemble symptoms of Candida, but most infected persons have no symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, they vary widely, depending on the form of the disease.

Occasionally other organs are affected. When it affects other organs, the liver and spleen generally become enlarged. Sores can develop in the mouth or gastrointestinal tract. If left untreated, it can be fatal.

H. capsulatum grows in soil contaminated with bird or bat droppings.

It is a fungus that is found in poultry house litter.

Bats live in caves, so the fungus is found there.

It is also found in bird roosts, especially those of starlings.

This disease is found throughout the world. In the United States, it is found in states that border the Ohio River Valley and the lower Mississippi River.

It is quite common in southern and East African caves. Hence the name Cave Disease.

This disease is not contagious. The spores germinate after inhalation and transform into yeast cells.

Diagnosis

A sample is taken from sputum, blood or infected organs. Blood and urine samples are also tested. If a skin test comes up 90% positive, this indicates that a person has been exposed, but does not indicate that they actually have the disease.

Histoplasmosis can affect dogs and cats, but these animals do not transfer the disease to humans or to other animals.

Return Home from Histoplasmosis