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BASICS
Description
- Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum (H. capsulatum), a dimorphic soil-dwelling saprophyte that has multiple clinical manifestations. It exists as a mold in the environment and yeast in tissues at 37°C.
- Infection is often caused by inhalation of spores. Initial infection is often asymptomatic.
- Other manifestations include a self-limited flulike syndrome; mediastinal fibrosis scar tissue; residual, chronic cavitary disease in those with obstructive lung disease; and disseminated histoplasmosis, which is more frequent in the immunocompromised host and infants.
- Chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis: Usually occurs in white males with obstructive lung disease and apical bullous lung pathology. These patients exhibit evidence of an indolent infectious process.
- Disseminated histoplasmosis infection in the immunocompromised is a ...
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