It is rare for symptoms to show up when histoplasmosis is present [7]. In the rare symptomatic cases, symptoms occur usually a few weeks after exposure. The acute phase of histoplasmosis is characterized by non-specific signs and symptoms including fever, cough, myalgia, chest pain, and malaise.

The chronic form of the disorder is more common in older individuals with an underlying pulmonary disease and might present with cough, weight loss, fever, and malaise.

Disseminated histoplasmosis in immunocompromised hosts can trigger organ failure and become life threatening if left untreated. This severe infection can lead to hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, mucocutaneous lesions and central nervous system involvement.

Ocular histoplasmosis affects the eyes and can lead to damage in the retina.

• Splenomegaly

  Results showed that the patients with PDH were more likely to have Karnofsky score ≤ 30 (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.97-4.06), liver compromised with hepatomegaly and/or splenomegaly (PR = 1.77, CI = 1.03-3.06) and elevation [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Since then, single cases of histoplasmosis have been reported by Riley and Watson, 3 Phelps and Mallory, 4 Crumrine and Kessell, 5 and Dodd and Tompkins. 6 The disease is manifested clinically by moderate fever, emaciation, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, [annals.org]

  After an intensive microscopical study of smears from the spleen, liver and rib marrow of all patients with splenomegaly examined at autopsy, he found 3 patients who had died of a disease. .. [nejm.org]

• Generalized Lymphadenopathy

  He developed numerous erythema nodosum leprosum-like mucocutanous lesions accompanied by fever, generalized lymphadenopathy, and weight loss. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  The majority of AIDS patients with disseminated disease have CD4 counts The most common clinical findings include fever, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and generalized lymphadenopathy. [hivinsite.ucsf.edu]

• Fever

  Fungal infection - histoplasmosis; Ohio River Valley fever; Fibrosing mediastinitis Deepe GS. Histoplasma capsulatum (histoplasmosis). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. [nlm.nih.gov]

  He developed numerous erythema nodosum leprosum-like mucocutanous lesions accompanied by fever, generalized lymphadenopathy, and weight loss. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Symptoms include weight loss, night sweats, a mild fever, and a general feeling of illness (malaise). Most people recover without treatment within 2 to 6 months. [merck.com]

  Alternative Names Fungal infection - histoplasmosis; Ohio River Valley fever; Fibrosing mediastinitis Causes Histoplasmosis occurs throughout the world. [ufhealth.org]

• Weight Loss

  The manifestations of disseminated form of histoplasmosis are fever, weakness, weight loss, hepatosplenomegaly, and mucocutaneous lesions. The mucosal involvement could be oropharyngeal or laryngeal involvement. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Fatigue

  All three patients developed a persistent high fever and general fatigue. Laboratory tests showed increased C-reactive protein levels and mild liver dysfunction. All patients also showed increased soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Some infections may cause acute pulmonary histoplasmosis, characterized by high fever, headache, non-productive cough, chills, weakness, pleuritic chest pain and fatigue. [who.int]

  Although most people who breathe in the spores don’t get sick, those who do may have a fever, cough, and fatigue. [cdc.gov]

  We ask about general symptoms (anxious mood, depressed mood, fatigue, pain, and stress) regardless of condition. Last updated: May 13, 2019 [patientslikeme.com]

• Lymphadenopathy

  He developed numerous erythema nodosum leprosum-like mucocutanous lesions accompanied by fever, generalized lymphadenopathy, and weight loss. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Malaise

  The acute phase of histoplasmosis is characterized by non-specific signs and symptoms including fever, cough, myalgia, chest pain, and malaise. [symptoma.com]

  Acute primary histoplasmosis is a syndrome with fever, cough, myalgias, chest pain, and malaise of varying severity. Acute pneumonia (evident on physical examination and chest x-ray) sometimes develops. [merckmanuals.com]

  More serious cases, with symptoms that include high fever, trouble breathing, loss of appetite, and malaise, are treated with anti-fungal medications. [rentokil-hygiene.co.uk]

  […] pain, cough and other respiratory symptoms Skin lesions and joint pain occur in 5-6% of patients, mainly female Chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis Occurs mostly in patients with underlying lung disease Symptoms include coughing up blood, weight loss, malaise [dermnetnz.org]

  The acute pulmonary form of the disease is a "flu"- like illness characterized by respiratory symptoms, general malaise, fever, chest pains, and a dry or nonproductive cough. Distinct patterns are seen on chest X-rays. [idph.state.il.us]

• Cough

  Symptoms include: Chest pain and shortness of breath Cough, possibly coughing up blood Fever and sweating In a small number of people, especially in those with a weakened immune system, histoplasmosis spreads throughout the body. [nlm.nih.gov]

  Most people do not have symptoms, but some feel sick and have a fever and cough, sometimes with difficulty breathing. Sometimes the infection spreads, causing the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes to enlarge and damaging other organs. [merck.com]

  The most common symptoms of acute histoplasmosis are: Fever and chills, flu-like illness Headaches Muscle pain Loss of appetite Shortness of breath Dry cough Chest pain Fatigue Most symptoms resolve in few weeks. [lung.org]

• Dry Cough

  A 21-year-old previously healthy woman presented with a three-week history of shortness of breath and dry cough. She had recently returned from a humanitarian trip planting crops in El Salvador. [cmaj.ca]

  When a person develops symptoms, it usually involves the lungs and is characterized by weakness, chills, fever, muscle aches, chest pains, and a dry cough. Chronic lung infections resemble tuberculosis and may progress over months or years. [dhs.wisconsin.gov]

  Symptoms include feeling ill, fever, chest pains, and a dry cough. In severe cases, histoplasmosis spreads to other organs; this is called disseminated disease. [icd9data.com]

  Symptoms include, fever, chills, muscle aches, chest pains, and a dry cough. Common symptoms reported by people with histoplasmosis Reports may be affected by other conditions and/or medication side effects. [patientslikeme.com]

  Symptoms include feeling ill, fever, chest pains, and a dry cough. In severe cases, histoplasmosis spreads to other organs. This is called disseminated disease. [medlineplus.gov]

• Dyspnea

  The younger man had laryngeal histoplasmosis, which resulted in hoarseness and dyspnea. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Symptoms to watch for include: Fever Anorexia Weight loss Lethargy Depression Dyspnea (labored breathing) Tachypnea (rapid breathing) Pleural effusion (fluid near the lungs) Crackling in lungs Anemia (pale gums) Cyanosis (blue/purple lips, gums, or foot [wagwalking.com]

  Manifestations are worsening cough and dyspnea, progressing eventually to disabling respiratory dysfunction. Dissemination does not occur. [merckmanuals.com]

• Pleural Effusion

  In rare instances, acute pericarditis and pleural effusion can develop. Chronic and disseminated forms have a poor prognosis and high mortality rate, if not treated timely. Histoplasmosis is caused by the histoplasma capsulatum fungus. [symptoma.com]

  Few may get acute pericarditis and pleural effusions. As the severity of the disease increases, the prognosis worsens from fair to poor. [emedicinehealth.com]

  Symptoms to watch for include: Fever Anorexia Weight loss Lethargy Depression Dyspnea (labored breathing) Tachypnea (rapid breathing) Pleural effusion (fluid near the lungs) Crackling in lungs Anemia (pale gums) Cyanosis (blue/purple lips, gums, or foot [wagwalking.com]

  Pleural thickening adjacent to apical cavitary lesions is common, but pleural effusions are uncommon ( 49 ). [doi.org]

  Acute pericarditis can occur in as many as 5% of patients who are symptomatic. [2] The pericardial fluid is generally exudative. [12] Pleural effusions develop in 40-60% of patients with pericarditis. [emedicine.com]

• Diarrhea

  The patients presented with various complaints, including loose stools, diarrhea, altered bowel habits, and gastrointestinal bleeding. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  The disseminated infection in cats most often results in chronic diarrhea, intestinal blood loss, anemia, and weight loss. In a few cats, infection of the bones, eyes, skin, and central nervous system may occur. [petplace.com]

  Other potential signs may include: Coughing Increased breathing effort and harsh lung sounds Lameness Eye discharge Diarrhea Fever, up to to 40 degrees Celsius (104.0 degrees Fahrenheit) Pale gums and moist body tissues ( mucous membrane ) Enlarged lymph [petmd.com]

  Abstract Background A 56-year-old female with a 30-year history of ileocolic Crohn's disease presented with a 1-month history of bloody diarrhea and decreased caliber of stools; physical examination revealed a broad indurated anal fissure. [nature.com]

  A 3 year-old boy with abdominal pain and diarrhea of six months. The patient suffered of congenital humoral immunodeficiency IgG, IgA. Video Endoscopic Sequence 2 of 3. Endoscopic Image of Histoplasmosis of the Colon. [gastrointestinalatlas.com]

• Abdominal Pain

  A middle aged male with no known comorbidities presented with history of colicky abdominal pain, low grade fever and weight loss. Laboratory parameters were normal except low albumin. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Symptoms can include: fever weight loss cough shortness of breath abdominal pain Histoplasmosis can be quite serious but is treatable with medications, which need to be continued until the immune system has improved with HIV treatment. [hiv.va.gov]

  A 3 year-old boy with abdominal pain and diarrhea of six months. The patient suffered of congenital humoral immunodeficiency IgG, IgA. Video Endoscopic Sequence 2 of 3. Endoscopic Image of Histoplasmosis of the Colon. [gastrointestinalatlas.com]

• Vomiting

  His present illness dates from Sept. 15, 1905, when he complained of fever and vomiting. Condition on Admission to Hospital. —On entering Ancon Hospital Dec. 5, 1905, he was mildly delirious and incoherent. Lungs were clear; abdomen [doi.org]

  Symptoms Chills Cough Fever Headache Joint pain Mental status changes Muscle aches and stiffness Nausea, vomiting Possible rash (erythema nodosum) Skin lesions Visual changes (chorioretinitis) Signs and tests A physical examination may show abnormalities [ufhealth.org]

  When – and why – antibiotics sometimes fail Back in the fall of 2011, an eight-year-old boy and his five-year-old sister in northeastern Arkansas developed vague abdominal discomfort, a dry cough, and vomiting. [forbes.com]

  Symptoms mainly showed as abdominal pain, diarrhea, anorexia, nausea, bilious vomiting, constipation, tenesmus and abdominal tenderness [ 6 ]. [omicsonline.org]

• Loss of Appetite

  More serious cases, with symptoms that include high fever, trouble breathing, loss of appetite, and malaise, are treated with anti-fungal medications. [rentokil-hygiene.co.uk]

  The most common symptoms of acute histoplasmosis are: Fever and chills, flu-like illness Headaches Muscle pain Loss of appetite Shortness of breath Dry cough Chest pain Fatigue Most symptoms resolve in few weeks. [lung.org]

  If the intestinal tract is the primary site of infection, the only symptoms may be loss of appetite and weight loss. [vcahospitals.com]

  The early symptoms are flu-like: fever, headache, cough, hot-cold feelings, cold shivers, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, hoarseness, joint and muscle pains. [users.skynet.be]

• Nausea

  Symptoms Chills Cough Fever Headache Joint pain Mental status changes Muscle aches and stiffness Nausea, vomiting Possible rash (erythema nodosum) Skin lesions Visual changes (chorioretinitis) Signs and tests A physical examination may show abnormalities [ufhealth.org]

  Case Report A 36-year-old woman with a 15-year history of rheumatoid arthritis presented on July 5, 2007, with fever, chills, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. [doi.org]

  Symptoms mainly showed as abdominal pain, diarrhea, anorexia, nausea, bilious vomiting, constipation, tenesmus and abdominal tenderness [ 6 ]. [omicsonline.org]

  Infusion-related reactions to amphotericin b deoxycholate include fever, chills, and sometimes nausea, vomiting, headache, generalized malaise, hypotension, and arrhythmias. [clinicaladvisor.com]

• Chest Pain

  If symptoms do occur, they may include: Fever and chills Cough and chest pain that gets worse when breathing in Joint pain Mouth sores Red skin bumps, most often on the lower legs The infection may be active for a short period of time, and then the symptoms [nlm.nih.gov]

  Histoplasmosis Symptoms Chest Pain There are many causes of chest pain. A serious form of chest pain is angina, which is a symptom of heart disease and results from inadequate oxygen supply to the heart muscle. [medicinenet.com]

  The most common symptoms of acute histoplasmosis are: Fever and chills, flu-like illness Headaches Muscle pain Loss of appetite Shortness of breath Dry cough Chest pain Fatigue Most symptoms resolve in few weeks. [lung.org]

• Hepatosplenomegaly

  Third patient, a 46-year-old HIV-negative man, had oropharyngeal lesions, cervical lymphadenopathy, intermittent fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and deteriorating general health. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Hepatomegaly

  Common clinical manifestations were fever (84%), weight loss (88%), anemia (63%), jaundice (16%), hepatomegaly (38%), splenomegaly (18%), lymphadenopathy (41%), and molluscum-like skin lesions (30%). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Since then, single cases of histoplasmosis have been reported by Riley and Watson, 3 Phelps and Mallory, 4 Crumrine and Kessell, 5 and Dodd and Tompkins. 6 The disease is manifested clinically by moderate fever, emaciation, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, [annals.org]

  Other common signs of disease include peripheral lymphadenomegaly, splenomegaly, and hepatomegaly. [vetbook.org]

• Jaundice

  We report a case of isolated pancreatic histoplasmosis in an immunocompetent patient, presenting as painless jaundice and pancreatic head mass. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  The patient was jaundiced and had scleral icterus. The initial bladder pressure was elevated, at 22 mm Hg; the central venous pressure was 6 cm of water; and the central venous oxygen saturation was low, at 63%. [doi.org]

  CASES REPORT Case 1 Female patient, 52 years old, with abdominal pain and jaundice was hospitalized and diagnosed with well-differentiated ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, which was surgically resected. [jbpml.org.br]

• Arthralgia

  […] o Adenopathy § Mediastinal or hilar o Hepatosplenomegaly o Lytic lesions in the bones o Broncholithiasis (most common cause) o Fibrosing mediastinitis o Multiple splenic calcifications (unusual for TB) o Epididymitis and prostatitis · Pericarditis · Arthralgias [learningradiology.com]

  These usually start 8-15 days after exposure, and may be accompanied by arthralgia and erythema nodosum. [isradiology.org]

  A rheumatologic syndrome characterized by arthralgia or arthritis, usually associated with erythema nodosum or erythema multiform, occurs in 5-10% of patients. [infectiousdiseaseadvisor.com]

  Arthritis or arthralgia with erythema nodosum occurs in 5%–10% of cases as a systemic inflammatory response to acute pulmonary histoplasmosis [ 60, 61 ]. [doi.org]

• Night Sweats

  The most common symptoms of chronic histoplasmosis are: Cough that is productive of thick yellow sputum Shortness of breath Feeling run-down or tired Low-grade fever Night sweats Weight loss Patients with emphysema may develop a slowly progressive form [lung.org]

  Others may have symptoms associated with active pulmonary disease; night sweats, cough, fever and weight loss. In some people, the fungus disseminates through the bloodstream to the spleen, liver, kidneys, mouth, eyes, or central nervous system. [outbreaknewstoday.com]

  Symptoms include weight loss, night sweats, a mild fever, and a general feeling of illness (malaise). Most people recover without treatment within 2 to 6 months. [merck.com]

  The presentation is similar to chronic pulmonary aspergillosis with productive cough, increasing shortness of breath, weight loss, night sweats and sometimes fever. [life-worldwide.org]

• Skin Rash

  Her skin rash disappeared in 2 weeks and complete radiological resolution of the lung nodules occurred after 3 months of treatment. Figure 1 Maculopapular skin rash involving the trunk and upper extremities. [thorax.bmj.com]

  The signs and symptoms associated with Acute Pulmonary Histoplasmosis (in those having weak immunity) may include: Chest tightness Breathing difficulties Productive cough Fever Muscle pain, generalized body aches Skin rashes that usually occur on the [dovemed.com]

• Headache

  The most common symptoms of acute histoplasmosis are: Fever and chills, flu-like illness Headaches Muscle pain Loss of appetite Shortness of breath Dry cough Chest pain Fatigue Most symptoms resolve in few weeks. [lung.org]

  The patients exhibited pulmonary infiltrates (83%), fever (76%), cough, constitutional symptoms (38%), headache (35%), and lymph node hypertrophy (33%). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Some infections may cause acute pulmonary histoplasmosis, characterized by high fever, headache, non-productive cough, chills, weakness, pleuritic chest pain and fatigue. [who.int]

• Seizure

  Symptoms of histoplasmosis range from none to flu -like symptoms ( fever, dry cough, chest discomfort); severe infections may cause vision problems, mouth ulcers, seizures, encephalopathy, and death. [emedicinehealth.com]

  Call 911 for any of the following: Your child has a seizure. Your child has trouble breathing. When should I seek immediate care? Your child is confused. Your child coughs up blood or thick, yellow, sputum. [drugs.com]

  Weight loss Lethargy Depression Dyspnea (labored breathing) Tachypnea (rapid breathing) Pleural effusion (fluid near the lungs) Crackling in lungs Anemia (pale gums) Cyanosis (blue/purple lips, gums, or foot pads) Diarrhea Oral lesions Fungal granulomas Seizures [wagwalking.com]

  […] recipients at a large Midwestern university transplant center, Transpl Infect Dis, 2005, vol. 7 (pg. 109 - 15 ) 23 Fungal infections in transplant recipients receiving alemtuzumab, Transplant Proc, 2005, vol. 37 (pg. 934 - 6 ) 24 A patient with new-onset seizure [doi.org]

Blood and sputum samples for cultures are necessary in order to diagnose histoplasmosis [8]. Urine analysis with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) can also be beneficial, particulary in immunocompromised hosts, to detect specific antigens. A serum antigen test may also be used, but this test can show false negative results four to six weeks after exposure.

• Cavitary Lesion

  Chest radiography was abnormal in 54% of patients, with 65% of those having bilateral pulmonary lesions. Interstitial infiltration was the most common radiographic finding (42%), followed by perihilar adenopathy (19%) and cavitary lesion (16%). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Chronic cavitary histoplasmosis is characterized by pulmonary lesions that are often apical and resemble cavitary tuberculosis. Manifestations are worsening cough and dyspnea, progressing eventually to disabling respiratory dysfunction. [merckmanuals.com]

• Pulmonary Calcification

  The disease is diagnosed only by the X-ray findings of residual areas of pulmonary calcification and a positive histoplasmin skin test. [botit.botany.wisc.edu]

  The seminal studies by Christie and Peterson and Palmer established the relationship of histoplasmin skin test positivity to pulmonary calcifications in tuberculin-negative persons ( 12, 95 ). [doi.org]

  Histoplasmin Sensitivity and Pulmonary Calcification in Kenya. Br Med J. 1954;1: 22–25. pmid:13106455 View Article PubMed/NCBI Google Scholar 21. Christensen OW, Edwards PQ, Geser AG, Kjølbye EH, Meijer J. [journals.plos.org]

• Leukopenia

  […] histoplasmosis have been reported by Riley and Watson, 3 Phelps and Mallory, 4 Crumrine and Kessell, 5 and Dodd and Tompkins. 6 The disease is manifested clinically by moderate fever, emaciation, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, enlargement of lymph nodes, leukopenia [annals.org]

  and is marked by benign involvement of lymph nodes of the trachea and bronchi usually without symptoms or by severe progressive generalized involvement of the lymph nodes and macrophage-rich tissues (as of the liver and spleen) with fever, anemia, leukopenia [merriam-webster.com]

  Leukocytosis or leukopenia may be present. Pancytopenia (decreased leukocyte, erythrocyte, and platelet counts) has been observed in some cats with disseminated fungal infection. [vetbook.org]

  The reticuloendothelial system and bone marrow are affected, resulting in anemia, purpura, and leukopenia. Hepatosplenomegaly and lymphadenopathy develop. [isradiology.org]

• Hypoalbuminemia

  Blood work will be run, including a complete blood count to reveal anemia in the cat, and a serum chemical profile to look for hypoalbuminemia (low levels of albumin in the blood.) Urinalysis may also show the spilling of protein into the urine. [wagwalking.com]

• Colitis

  On investigation, a mild granulomatous colitis primarily affecting the right colon was identified, that initially improved with mesalazine. Her symptoms worsened after 18 mo with progressive ulceration of her distal small bowel and right colon. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  TNF is also involved in symptoms in inflammatory disorders like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Usually these patients already are receiving corticosteroids and methotrexate to manage the disorder. [scientificamerican.com]

• Granulomatous Tissue

  Biopsy will reveal granulomatous tissue infiltrated with giant cells, lymphocytes, and numerous macrophages. [5] Circulating H. capsulatum antigen can be detected in the urine or serum of patients with disseminated disease. [laryngologyandvoice.org]

• Pleural Effusion

  In rare instances, acute pericarditis and pleural effusion can develop. Chronic and disseminated forms have a poor prognosis and high mortality rate, if not treated timely. Histoplasmosis is caused by the histoplasma capsulatum fungus. [symptoma.com]

  Few may get acute pericarditis and pleural effusions. As the severity of the disease increases, the prognosis worsens from fair to poor. [emedicinehealth.com]

  Symptoms to watch for include: Fever Anorexia Weight loss Lethargy Depression Dyspnea (labored breathing) Tachypnea (rapid breathing) Pleural effusion (fluid near the lungs) Crackling in lungs Anemia (pale gums) Cyanosis (blue/purple lips, gums, or foot [wagwalking.com]

  Pleural thickening adjacent to apical cavitary lesions is common, but pleural effusions are uncommon ( 49 ). [doi.org]

  Acute pericarditis can occur in as many as 5% of patients who are symptomatic. [2] The pericardial fluid is generally exudative. [12] Pleural effusions develop in 40-60% of patients with pericarditis. [emedicine.com]

• Leukocytosis

  Leukocytosis or leukopenia may be present. Pancytopenia (decreased leukocyte, erythrocyte, and platelet counts) has been observed in some cats with disseminated fungal infection. [vetbook.org]

Usually, this condition will resolve itself without any treatment as long as the affected individual is immunocompetent [9]. In some mild cases, symptomatic measures are indicated. In severe, chronic, or disseminated cases, treatment with antifungal medications like amphotericin B which is usually followed by oral itraconazole, is necessary.

Acute pulmonary histoplasmosis is considered to be asymptomatic 90 percent of cases [6]. The small percentage of affected individuals who do develop symptoms completely recover usually.

In rare instances, acute pericarditis and pleural effusion can develop. Chronic and disseminated forms have a poor prognosis and high mortality rate, if not treated timely.

Histoplasmosis is caused by the histoplasma capsulatum fungus [2]. The infectious spores are light and easily become airborne when disturbed. Histoplasma capsulatum is a thermally dimorphic fungus that is present in a mycelial form in the environment and grows into a yeast at body temperature. 

The fungus associated with histoplasmosis is found across the globe. There are certain places, like the Ohio River Valley and the lower Mississippi River area in the US, where the histoplasma capsulatum fungus is considered to be endemic [3]. Since the fungus is found in so many places, the occurrence of histoplasmosis is common especially in the US where 250,000 cases are reported every year. It is also prevalent in southern and eastern Africa, South America, Europe, and Asia. The disorder may occur at any age and there is no racial predilection.

There is a correlation with acidity and humidity levels of the soil as well as the activity level of local birds and bats. The fungus grows in soil that has been contaminated with bat or bird droppings and the microconida become airborne when the soil is disturbed.

The histoplasma capsulatum fungus grow in the mycelial form while in the saprobic state [4]. When the spores produced by this mycelial form along with mycelial fragments become airborne, they may be inhaled and deposited in alveoli. Under these favourable conditions, the spores can intracellularly be converted to the yeast form. 

The yeast reproduces within the first 15 to 18 hours after the phagocytosis by the macrophages occurs. The macrophages disseminate to various organs via lymphatic and blood circulation. After one to two weeks after the initial exposure, cellular immunity develops. The inflammatory response of the body may trigger the formation of calcified fibrinous granulomas within weeks to month after the initial infection.

Affected individuals with compromised immune systems may develop a progressive disseminated form of infection that can be life-threatening [5].

Since the fungus histoplasma capsulatum is found anywhere, it isn’t practical to decontaminate every area that is considered to be affected. For those who may be working in affected areas, like construction workers, protective masks should be worn [10].

Histoplasmosis is an infectious disease that predominantly affects the lungs but can involve other organ systems if it progresses to disseminated histoplasmosis. The disorder is caused by the histoplasma capsulatum fungus and can be fatal if left untreated. It is also known as Ohio Valley disease, Cave disease, Darling’s disease, and reticuloendotheliosis [1].

Histoplasma capsulatum that causes histoplasmosis can be found in soil that has been contaminated with bird or bat droppings. When this soil is disrupted by excavation or some type of construction, the fungus is aerated and the infectious properties are released. When the now infected air is breathed in, the fungus can settle in the lungs and cause histoplasmosis. The condtition is considered to be more common in people that have compromised immune systems.

Histoplasmosis is an infection that is caused by the fungus histoplasma capsulatum that is found in both bat and bird droppings. This fungus is present in the soil that the droppings contaminate. The spores become airborne when agitated and can settle in the lungs once inhaled.

There are usually no signs or symptoms associated with the condition and people are mostly unaware that they have the infection. Children and people with compromised immune systems, are prone to develop more severe forms and may show various symptoms including fever, cough, muscle pain, chest pain, and malaise. 

There are treatments that can be administered including antifungal medications, but in most cases, there is no need for medical treatment as the ailment usually clears up on its own.