BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuHistoplasmosisFungal infection - histoplasmosis; Ohio River Valley fever; Fibrosing mediastinitisHistoplasmosis is an infection that occurs from breathing in the spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum.SporesA spore is a cell that certain fungi, plants (moss, ferns), and bacteria produce. Certain bacteria make spores as a way to defend themselves. Spores...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Causes Histoplasmosis occurs throughout the world. In the United States, it is most common in the southeastern, mid-Atlantic, and central states, especially in the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys.Histoplasma fungus grows as a mold in the soil. You may get sick when you breathe in spores produced by the fungus. Soil that contains bird or bat droppings may have larger amounts of this fungus. The threat is greatest after an old building is torn down, or in caves.This infection can occur in people with a healthy immune system. Having a weakened immune system increases the risk of getting or reactivating this disease. Very young or very old people, or those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or an organ transplant have more severe symptoms.HIV/AIDSHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). When a person becomes infected with HIV, the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CancerCancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article People with long-term (chronic) lung disease (such as emphysema and bronchiectasis) are also at higher risk for a more severe infection.EmphysemaChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease. Having COPD makes it hard to breathe. There are two main forms of COPD:Chroni...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article BronchiectasisBronchiectasis is a disease in which the large airways in the lungs are damaged. This causes the airways to become permanently wider. Bronchiectasis...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms Most people have no symptoms, or only have a mild, flu-like illness.If symptoms do occur, they may include:Fever and chills ChillsChills refers to feeling cold after being in a cold environment. The word can also refer to an episode of shivering along with paleness and feeling ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cough and chest pain that gets worse when breathing in Chest painChest pain is discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere along the front of your body between your neck and upper abdomen.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Joint pain Mouth sores Mouth soresThere are different types of mouth sores. They can occur anywhere in the mouth including bottom of the mouth, inner cheeks, gums, lips, and tongue....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Red skin bumps, most often on the lower legsThe infection may be active for a short period of time, and then the symptoms go away. Sometimes, the lung infection may become chronic. Symptoms include:Chest pain and shortness of breath Cough, possibly coughing up blood Fever and sweatingIn a small number of people, especially in those with a weakened immune system, histoplasmosis spreads throughout the body. This is called disseminated histoplasmosis. In response to the infection irritation and swelling (inflammation) occur in parts of the body. Symptoms may include:Chest pain from inflammation of the sac-like covering around the heart (pericarditis) PericarditisPericarditis is a condition in which the sac-like covering around the heart (pericardium) becomes inflamed.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Headache and neck stiffness from swelling of the membranes covering of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) MeningitisMeningitis is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This covering is called the meninges.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article High fever Exams and Tests Histoplasmosis is diagnosed by:Biopsy of the lung, skin, liver, or bone marrow BiopsyA biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for lab examination.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Urine or blood tests to detect histoplasma proteins or antibodies BloodHistoplasma complement fixation is a blood test that checks for infection by a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum (H capsulatum), which causes the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cultures of the blood, urine, or sputum (this test provides the clearest diagnosis of histoplasmosis, but results can take 6 weeks)Cultures of the bloodA blood culture is a laboratory test to check for bacteria or other germs in a blood sample.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article UrineA urine culture is a lab test to check for bacteria or other germs in a urine sample. It can be used to check for a urinary tract infection in adults...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article SputumRoutine sputum culture is a laboratory test that looks for germs that cause infection. Sputum is the material that comes up from air passages when y...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article To help diagnose this condition, your health care provider may do a:Bronchoscopy (test that uses a viewing scope inserted into the lung airway to check for signs of infection) BronchoscopyBronchoscopy is a test to view the airways and diagnose lung disease. It may also be used during the treatment of some lung conditions.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chest CT scan Chest CT scanA chest CT (computed tomography) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the chest and upper abdomen....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chest x-ray Chest x-rayA chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Spinal tap to look for signs of infection in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)Spinal tapCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF acts as a cushion, protecting the b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment In otherwise healthy people, this infection usually goes away without treatment.If you are sick for more than 1 month or are having trouble breathing, your provider may prescribe medicine. The main treatment for histoplasmosis is antifungal medicines.Antifungals may need to be given through a vein, depending on the form or stage of the disease. Some of these medicines can have side effects. Long-term treatment with antifungal medicines may be needed for up to 1 to 2 years. Outlook (Prognosis) The outlook depends on how severe the infection is, and your general health condition. Some people get better without treatment. An active infection will usually go away with antifungal medicine. But, the infection may leave scarring inside the lung.The death rate is higher for people with untreated disseminated histoplasmosis who have a weakened immune system. Possible Complications Scarring in the chest cavity may put pressure on the: Major blood vessels carrying blood to and from the heart Heart Esophagus (food pipe) Lymph nodes Enlarged lymph nodes in the chest may press on body parts such as the esophagus and blood vessels of the lungs. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you live in an area where histoplasmosis is common and you develop:Flu-like symptoms Chest pain Cough Shortness of breathWhile there are many other illnesses that have similar symptoms, you may need to be tested for histoplasmosis. Prevention Histoplasmosis may be prevented by reducing your exposure to dust in chicken coops, bat caves, and other high-risk locations. Wear masks and other protective equipment if you work in or go into these environments.Open ReferencesReferencesDeepe GS. Histoplasma capsulatum (histoplasmosis). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 263.Thompson GR, Miceli MH. Endemic mycoses. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 308.AllVideoImagesTogLungs - illustration The major features of the lungs include the bronchi, the bronchioles and the alveoli. The alveoli are the microscopic blood vessel-lined sacks in which oxygen and carbon dioxide gas are exchanged.LungsillustrationAcute histoplasmosis - illustration Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by inhaling dust from spore-infected bird droppings. The acute form is treated with antifungal medication.Acute histoplasmosisillustrationDisseminated histoplasmosis - illustration Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by inhaling dust from spore-infected bird droppings. In the disseminated form, infection spreads throughout the body from the lungs. The death rate is fairly high for people with untreated widespread (disseminated) histoplasmosis, but is reduced significantly with treatment.Disseminated histoplasmosisillustrationHistoplasmosis, disseminated in HIV patient - illustration This is a skin lesion resulting from disseminated histoplasmosis. Histoplasmosis occurs most frequently as a lung infection, however it can infect the skin or become distributed (disseminated) to internal organs.Histoplasmosis, disseminated in HIV patientillustrationFungus - illustration Fungal infections are caused by microscopic organisms (fungi) that can live on the skin. They can live on the dead tissues of the hair, nails, and outer skin layers.FungusillustrationLungs - illustration The major features of the lungs include the bronchi, the bronchioles and the alveoli. The alveoli are the microscopic blood vessel-lined sacks in which oxygen and carbon dioxide gas are exchanged.LungsillustrationAcute histoplasmosis - illustration Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by inhaling dust from spore-infected bird droppings. The acute form is treated with antifungal medication.Acute histoplasmosisillustrationDisseminated histoplasmosis - illustration Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by inhaling dust from spore-infected bird droppings. In the disseminated form, infection spreads throughout the body from the lungs. The death rate is fairly high for people with untreated widespread (disseminated) histoplasmosis, but is reduced significantly with treatment.Disseminated histoplasmosisillustrationHistoplasmosis, disseminated in HIV patient - illustration This is a skin lesion resulting from disseminated histoplasmosis. Histoplasmosis occurs most frequently as a lung infection, however it can infect the skin or become distributed (disseminated) to internal organs.Histoplasmosis, disseminated in HIV patientillustrationFungus - illustration Fungal infections are caused by microscopic organisms (fungi) that can live on the skin. They can live on the dead tissues of the hair, nails, and outer skin layers.FungusillustrationRelated Information Bronchiectasis(Condition)HIV/AIDS(Condition)Pericarditis(Condition)Mediastinitis(Condition)Meningitis(Condition) Review Date: 10/11/2024 Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor in Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
HistoplasmosisFungal infection - histoplasmosis; Ohio River Valley fever; Fibrosing mediastinitisHistoplasmosis is an infection that occurs from breathing in the spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum.SporesA spore is a cell that certain fungi, plants (moss, ferns), and bacteria produce. Certain bacteria make spores as a way to defend themselves. Spores...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Causes Histoplasmosis occurs throughout the world. In the United States, it is most common in the southeastern, mid-Atlantic, and central states, especially in the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys.Histoplasma fungus grows as a mold in the soil. You may get sick when you breathe in spores produced by the fungus. Soil that contains bird or bat droppings may have larger amounts of this fungus. The threat is greatest after an old building is torn down, or in caves.This infection can occur in people with a healthy immune system. Having a weakened immune system increases the risk of getting or reactivating this disease. Very young or very old people, or those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or an organ transplant have more severe symptoms.HIV/AIDSHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). When a person becomes infected with HIV, the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CancerCancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article People with long-term (chronic) lung disease (such as emphysema and bronchiectasis) are also at higher risk for a more severe infection.EmphysemaChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease. Having COPD makes it hard to breathe. There are two main forms of COPD:Chroni...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article BronchiectasisBronchiectasis is a disease in which the large airways in the lungs are damaged. This causes the airways to become permanently wider. Bronchiectasis...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms Most people have no symptoms, or only have a mild, flu-like illness.If symptoms do occur, they may include:Fever and chills ChillsChills refers to feeling cold after being in a cold environment. The word can also refer to an episode of shivering along with paleness and feeling ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cough and chest pain that gets worse when breathing in Chest painChest pain is discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere along the front of your body between your neck and upper abdomen.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Joint pain Mouth sores Mouth soresThere are different types of mouth sores. They can occur anywhere in the mouth including bottom of the mouth, inner cheeks, gums, lips, and tongue....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Red skin bumps, most often on the lower legsThe infection may be active for a short period of time, and then the symptoms go away. Sometimes, the lung infection may become chronic. Symptoms include:Chest pain and shortness of breath Cough, possibly coughing up blood Fever and sweatingIn a small number of people, especially in those with a weakened immune system, histoplasmosis spreads throughout the body. This is called disseminated histoplasmosis. In response to the infection irritation and swelling (inflammation) occur in parts of the body. Symptoms may include:Chest pain from inflammation of the sac-like covering around the heart (pericarditis) PericarditisPericarditis is a condition in which the sac-like covering around the heart (pericardium) becomes inflamed.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Headache and neck stiffness from swelling of the membranes covering of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) MeningitisMeningitis is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This covering is called the meninges.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article High fever Exams and Tests Histoplasmosis is diagnosed by:Biopsy of the lung, skin, liver, or bone marrow BiopsyA biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for lab examination.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Urine or blood tests to detect histoplasma proteins or antibodies BloodHistoplasma complement fixation is a blood test that checks for infection by a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum (H capsulatum), which causes the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cultures of the blood, urine, or sputum (this test provides the clearest diagnosis of histoplasmosis, but results can take 6 weeks)Cultures of the bloodA blood culture is a laboratory test to check for bacteria or other germs in a blood sample.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article UrineA urine culture is a lab test to check for bacteria or other germs in a urine sample. It can be used to check for a urinary tract infection in adults...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article SputumRoutine sputum culture is a laboratory test that looks for germs that cause infection. Sputum is the material that comes up from air passages when y...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article To help diagnose this condition, your health care provider may do a:Bronchoscopy (test that uses a viewing scope inserted into the lung airway to check for signs of infection) BronchoscopyBronchoscopy is a test to view the airways and diagnose lung disease. It may also be used during the treatment of some lung conditions.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chest CT scan Chest CT scanA chest CT (computed tomography) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the chest and upper abdomen....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chest x-ray Chest x-rayA chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Spinal tap to look for signs of infection in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)Spinal tapCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF acts as a cushion, protecting the b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment In otherwise healthy people, this infection usually goes away without treatment.If you are sick for more than 1 month or are having trouble breathing, your provider may prescribe medicine. The main treatment for histoplasmosis is antifungal medicines.Antifungals may need to be given through a vein, depending on the form or stage of the disease. Some of these medicines can have side effects. Long-term treatment with antifungal medicines may be needed for up to 1 to 2 years. Outlook (Prognosis) The outlook depends on how severe the infection is, and your general health condition. Some people get better without treatment. An active infection will usually go away with antifungal medicine. But, the infection may leave scarring inside the lung.The death rate is higher for people with untreated disseminated histoplasmosis who have a weakened immune system. Possible Complications Scarring in the chest cavity may put pressure on the: Major blood vessels carrying blood to and from the heart Heart Esophagus (food pipe) Lymph nodes Enlarged lymph nodes in the chest may press on body parts such as the esophagus and blood vessels of the lungs. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you live in an area where histoplasmosis is common and you develop:Flu-like symptoms Chest pain Cough Shortness of breathWhile there are many other illnesses that have similar symptoms, you may need to be tested for histoplasmosis. Prevention Histoplasmosis may be prevented by reducing your exposure to dust in chicken coops, bat caves, and other high-risk locations. Wear masks and other protective equipment if you work in or go into these environments.Open ReferencesReferencesDeepe GS. Histoplasma capsulatum (histoplasmosis). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 263.Thompson GR, Miceli MH. Endemic mycoses. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 308.
