Histoplasmosis; disseminated

Definition:

An infection involving many areas of the body; caused by inhaling the spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which is found in bird and bat droppings common along river valleys.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Histoplasmosis is caused by a fungus 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 asymptomatic. Acute pulmonary histoplasmosis may occur in epidemics. Progressive or spreading (disseminated) and chronic disease can also occur. In disseminated disease, the infection is spread to other organs of the body from the lungs via the blood stream. The liver and spleen are usually enlarged, and all body organs can be involved. Ulcerations of the mouth or gastrointestinal tract may occur. Risk factors are travel or residence the central or eastern U.S. and exposure to the droppings of birds and bats. The incidence is 1 out of 10,000,000 people.

Updated Date: 02/09/00

Updated By:J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial