Frequently Asked Questions
What
is histoplasmosis?
Histoplasmosis is a disease caused by the fungus Histoplasma
capsulatum. Its symptoms vary greatly, but the disease primarily
affect the lungs. Occasionally, other organs are affected. This
form of the disease is called disseminated histoplasmosis, and
it can be fatal if untreated.
Can
anyone get histoplasmosis?
Yes. Positive histoplasmin skin tests occur in as many as 80%
of the people living in areas where H. capsulatum is common, such
as the eastern and central United States. Infants, young children,
and older persons, in particular those with chronic lung disease
are at increased risk for severe disease. Disseminated disease
is more frequently seen in people with cancer or AIDS.
How
is someone infected with H. capsulatum?
H. capsulatum grows in soil and material contaminated with
bat or bird droppings. Spores become airborne when contaminated
soil is disturbed. Breathing the spores causes infection. The
disease is not transmitted from an infected person to someone
else.
What
are the symptoms of histoplasmosis?
Most infected persons have no apparent ill effects. The acute
respiratory disease is characterized by respiratory symptoms,
a general ill feeling, fever, chest pains, and a dry or nonproductive
cough. Distinct patterns may be seen on a chest x-ray. Chronic
lung disease resembles tuberculosis and can worsen over months
or years. The disseminated form is fatal unless treated.
When
do symptoms start?
If symptoms occur, they will start within 3 to 17 days after exposure;
the average is 10 days.
Is
histoplasmosis treatable?
Yes. Antifungal medications are used to treat severe cases of
acute histoplasmosis and all cases of chronic and disseminated
disease. Mild disease usually resolves without treatment. Past
infection results in partial protection against ill effects if
reinfected.
Where
is H. capsulatum found?
H. capsulatum is found throughout the world and is endemic
in certain areas of the United States. The fungus has been found
in poultry house litter, caves, areas harboring bats, and in bird
roosts.
What
can be done to prevent histoplasmosis?
It is not practical to test or decontaminate most sites that may
be contaminated with H. capsulatum, but the following precautions
can be taken to reduce a person's risk of exposure:
- Avoid areas that may harbor the fungus, e.g., accumulations
of bird or bat droppings.
- Before starting a job or activity having a risk for exposure
to H. capsulatum, consult the NIOSH/NCID
Document Histoplasmosis: Protecting Workers at Risk. This
document contains information on work practices and personal
protective equipment that will reduce the risk of infection.
A copy can also be obtained by requesting publication no. 97-146
from
National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health
Publications Dissemination
4676 Columbia Parkway
Mail Stop C-13
Cincinnati, OH 45226-1998
1-800-356-4674
|