|
|
Histoplasmosis - Acute (Primary) Pulmonary
Definition
An acute respiratory infection caused by inhaling the spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which is found in bird and bat droppings common along river valleys.
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Histoplasmosis is caused by a fungus found in the Central and Eastern United States, Eastern Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Most patients have no symptoms (asymptomatic) or experience a mild flu-like illness and recover uneventfully. Acute pulmonary histoplasmosis may occur in epidemics. Progressive and chronic disease can also occur, particularly amongst those with impaired immune systems, such as people with HIV.
Risk factors include travel to or residence in the Central or Eastern United States near the great river valleys, exposure to the droppings of birds and bats, and having a compromised immune system.
Today's Top News Stories | • | Falls Are Top Cause of Injury, Death Among Elderly - Jul 19, 2008, 09:00
Not all homes are the same, but common sense measures can reduce the risk, expert says. | • | Heart Blood Vessels Grown in the Lab - Jul 18, 2008, 19:00
Could offer a future alternative to bypass surgery, researchers say. | • | Clinical Trials Update: July 18, 2008 - Jul 18, 2008, 09:24
- Breast Cancer
- Hot Flashes
- Emphysema
| • | Loud Music in Bars Hastens Drinking - Jul 18, 2008, 16:00
French researchers say blasting tunes makes patrons down more alcohol in less time. | • | Breast-Fed Babies Have Fewer GI Infections - Jul 18, 2008, 17:00
But they're more likely to be iron-deficient, study finds. |
|
Jump to another section
• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Prevention
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Histoplasmosis
• Histoplasmosis - Chronic Pulmonary
• Histoplasmosis - Disseminated
• Immunodeficiency Disorders
• The Flu
Tests & Exams
• CBC
• Chest X-Ray
• Routine Sputum Culture
Other Topics
• Acute
• Asymptomatic
• Chronic
• Cough
• Fever
• Joint Pain
• Muscle Aches
• Rashes
• Respiratory
• Spores
Review Date : 5/17/2002
Reviewed By : Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
|
|
