Categories: All - symptoms - treatment - complications - diagnosis

by Hannah Olson 7 years ago

278

Histplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by the inhalation of spores from the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, often found in contaminated soil. The condition is more prevalent in the Midwest and among individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV/

Histplasmosis

Histplasmosis

Complications

Lung problems
Heart problems
Disseminated Histoplasmosis
Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome (OHS)
One of the leading causes of vision loss from 20-40 in US
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
Damaging to the lungs to the point that air sacs begin filling with fluid, preventing efficient air exchange and depleting oxygen levels in the blood.

Treatment

Antifungals
Pills
Usually intravenously
Usually unnessassary

Diagnosis

Subtopic
May depend on the type of and area affected by the fungus

Risk Factors

Health
Age
Career

Stats

In areas where the fungus is common, 50%-90% of people have been exposed to the fungus
In Latin America, it is the most opportunistic infections among people living with HIV or AIDS; about 30% of them will die from it.
Rates were highest in the Midwest with an estimated 6.1 cases per 100,000 population. Histoplasmosis is most common in people with weakened immune systems.
One study calculated the incidence of histoplasmosis in adults aged 65 years and older in the U.S. to be 3.4 cases per 100,000 population

Cause

Inhaling spores
Disturbing contaminated soil
Fungus Histoplasma capsulatum

Symptoms

Severe
Extreme weight loss
Rash
Joint pain
Mild
Muscle ache
Chest discomfort
Fever
Headache
Chills
Dry cough
Non-existant
There may not be any symptoms at all, because your immune system fights it off