Histoplasmosis is an illness induced by inhaling fungal spores found in bird and bat droppings. People typically contract it by inhaling these spores as they become airborne during demolition or cleanup tasks.
Soil polluted by bird or bat droppings can also transmit histoplasmosis, putting farmers and landscapers at risk. Histoplasmosis is most frequent in the Mississippi and Ohio River basins in the United States. However, it can also occur in other regions. It can also be found in portions of Africa, Asia, Australia, and Central and South America.
Most patients with histoplasmosis have no symptoms and are unaware that they are afflicted. Histoplasmosis, on the other hand, can be fatal in certain people, particularly babies and those with compromised immune systems. Even the most severe cases of histoplasmosis can be treated.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HISTOPLASMOSIS?
The mildest types of histoplasmosis produce no symptoms. However, severe infections can be fatal. When symptoms arise, they typically appear 3 to 17 days after exposure and might include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Chest ache
- Muscle pain
- Dry cough
- Tiredness
Histoplasmosis can cause joint discomfort and a rash in certain persons. Chronic histoplasmosis can occur in people who have a lung condition, such as emphysema.
Weight loss and a bloody cough are symptoms of chronic histoplasmosis. Chronic histoplasmosis symptoms might be similar to TB symptoms.
Severe histoplasmosis
The most severe form of histoplasmosis primarily affects babies and adults with compromised immune systems. It is known as disseminated histoplasmosis and can affect almost any organ of your body, including your mouth, liver, central nervous system, skin, and adrenal glands. Disseminated histoplasmosis is frequently lethal if left untreated.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF HISTOPLASMOSIS?
Histoplasmosis is caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum’s reproductive cells (spores). When dirt or other material is disturbed, they float into the air.
The fungus grows in moist soil that is rich in organic material, particularly bird and bat droppings. It’s especially abundant in pigeon and poultry coops, old barns, caverns, and parks.
Because histoplasmosis is not infectious, it cannot be passed from person to person. You can acquire histoplasmosis again if you’ve had it before. If you get it again, the sickness will most likely be lesser the second time.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR HISTOPLASMOSIS?
The quantity of spores you inhale increases your chances of acquiring histoplasmosis symptoms. People who are more likely to be exposed are:
- Farmers
- Workers in pest control
- Gardeners and landscapers
- Keepers of poultry
- Workers in construction
- Roofers
- Explorers of caves
- Workers in demolition
Most vulnerable to serious infection
Immune systems in children under the age of two and adults over the age of 55 are weaker. As a result, individuals are more prone to get disseminated histoplasmosis, the most dangerous form of the illness. Other variables that might decrease your immune system are as follows:
- AIDS or HIV
- Cancer chemotherapy
- Prednisone and other corticosteroid medications
- TNF inhibitors, which are commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
- Medications that prevent organ transplant rejection
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF HISTOPLASMOSIS?
Even in otherwise healthy persons, histoplasmosis can lead to a variety of significant problems. The possible complications are typically life-threatening for newborns, elderly persons, and people with compromised immune systems.
Possible complications include:
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome: Histoplasmosis can cause lung damage to the point that the air sacs begin to fill with fluid. This impairs air exchange and can decrease the oxygen in your blood.
- Heart issues: Pericarditis is an inflammation of the sac that surrounds your heart (pericardium). When the fluid in this sac builds up, it can impair the heart’s capacity to pump blood.
- Adrenal insufficiency: Histoplasmosis can cause damage to your adrenal glands, which generate hormones that teach nearly every organ and tissue in your body.
- Meningitis: Histoplasmosis can cause inflammation of the membranes covering your brain and spinal cord in rare circumstances.
HOW IS HISTOPLASMOSIS DIAGNOSED?
Histoplasmosis diagnosis might be difficult, depending on which sections of your body are afflicted. While testing may not be required in moderate instances of histoplasmosis, it can be critical in the treatment of life-threatening cases.
Your doctor may advise you to look for signs of the condition in samples of:
- Lung secretions
- Urine or blood
- Lung tissue (biopsy)
- Bone marrow
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR HISTOPLASMOSIS?
If you have a minor case of histoplasmosis, treatment is typically not required. However, if your symptoms are severe or you have the chronic or disseminated type of the illness, you will almost certainly require therapy with one or more antifungal medications. If you have a severe type of the condition, you may need to take drugs for another three months to a year.
HOW CAN HISTOPLASMOSIS BE PREVENTED?
It is difficult to avoid exposure to the fungus that causes histoplasmosis, particularly in locations where the illness is common. However, the following precautions may help lower the risk of infection:
- Avoid exposure: Avoid projects and activities that may expose you to the fungus, such as cave exploration and keeping birds like pigeons or hens.
- Spray contaminated surfaces: Soak dirt or work in an area that might house the fungus that causes histoplasmosis before digging or working in it. This can assist to keep spores from floating about in the air. Spraying poultry coops and barns before cleaning them can also help.
- Put on a respirator mask: To decide which style of mask will offer enough protection for your level of exposure, see the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
