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Disseminated histoplasmosis is a fungal infection that occurs after inhaling the spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum.
See also:
Alternative NamesSystemic histoplasmosis
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsHistoplasmosis is caused by a fungus found in the central and eastern United States (Mississippi and Ohio River Valley), eastern Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Most cases are mild or without symptoms. Acute pulmonary histoplasmosis may occur in epidemics after heavy exposure. Progressive or spreading (disseminated) and chronic disease can also occur. In disseminated disease, the infection has spread to other organs from the lungs through the bloodstream.
The liver and spleen are usually enlarged, and any body organ may be involved. Ulcerations of the mouth or gastrointestinal tract may occur. Risk factors are travel to or residence within the central or eastern United States, and exposure to the droppings of birds and bats.
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)
A physical examination may show abnormalities throughout the body.
Tests used to diagnose disseminated histoplasmosis may include:
- Abdominal CT scan
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Biopsy or culture of affected organs, bone marrow, liver, lymph node, lung, or skin
- Blood cultures
- Chest x-ray
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Histoplasma urinary antigen test
- MRI scan of the affected organs
Doctors prescribe antifungal medications to control the infection. Most patients should be treated for a year or more. Those who have suppressed immune systems (for example, from AIDS) may need lifelong treatment.
Expectations (prognosis)The disease may progress rapidly and death can occur.
ComplicationsMultiple organs are affected.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you develop symptoms of disseminated histoplasmosis, particularly if you have been recently treated for acute or chronic histoplasmosis.
Emergency symptoms include mental status changes and rapid worsening of the condition.
PreventionAvoiding travel to areas where this spore is found can prevent the disease, but this may not be practical. Avoid bird or bat droppings if you are in one of these areas, especially if you are immunosuppressed.
ReferencesKauffman CA. Histoplasmosis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 353.
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What forms of histoplasmosis are potentially fatal?
Chronic histoplasmosis affects the lungs and can be fatal. Disseminated histoplasmosis affects many organ systems in the body and is often fatal
What are the symptoms of disseminated histoplasmosis?
a worsening of those found in chronic histoplasmosis, as well as weight loss, diarrhea, the development of open sores in the mouth and nose, and enlargement of the spleen, liver, and adrenal gland
What is a disseminated form of Histoplamosis?
One of three clinical forms of histoplasmosis. " (Severe) cases of histoplasmosis that fail to resolve and become chronic exhibiting pulmonary infiltration, cavitation, and fibrosis...particularly common in elderly patients and those exhibiting some form of immunosuppression." Cobb 1989
What is hystoplasmosis?
Histoplasmosis is a disease caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Its symptoms vary greatly, but the disease primarily affect the lungs.Histoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by inhaling the microscopic spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. The disease exists in three forms. Acute or primary histoplasmosis causes flu-like symptoms. Most people who are infected recover without medical intervention. Chronic histoplasmosis affects the lungs and can be fatal. Disseminated histoplasmosis affects many organ systems in the body and is often fatal, especially to people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).For the source and more detailed information concerning this subject, click on the related links section (Answers.com) indicated below.
Is histoplasmosis a fungal disease?
Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by inhaling spores of Histoplasma Capsulatum.
What has the author T F Schlaegel written?
T. F. Schlaegel has written: 'Ocular histoplasmosis' -- subject(s): Eye Diseases, Histoplasmosis, Ocular histoplasmosis 'Essentials of uveitis' -- subject(s): Uveitis
What is the treatment for chronic histoplasmosis?
Patients with an intact immune system who develop chronic histoplasmosis are treated with the drug ketoconazole (Nizoral) or amphotericin B (Fungizone).
Where is organization's annual report disseminated?
to whom is a report disseminated to and how is it done
Who discovered Histoplasmosis treatment?
Samuel Taylor darling
What are the symptoms of chronic histoplasmosis?
Symptoms of chronic histoplasmosis resemble those of tuberculosis. Cavities form in the lung tissue, parts of the lung may collapse, and the lungs fill with fluid
When you see Ohio river valley you should think?
Histoplasmosis
In what physical form are blister agents normally disseminated?
In what physical form are blister agents normally disseminated?
