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Histoplasmosis capsulatum grows in soil and other materials contaminated with bat or bird droppings. It is most common in the eastern and central United States. Spores become airborne when contaminated soil is disturbed. Breathing the spores causes infection. The disease is not transmitted from person to person, and most infected persons are asymptomatic. Respiratory symptoms, general malaise, fever, chest pains, and a dry or nonproductive cough characterize acute respiratory disease. 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 of the disease is fatal unless treated.
Histoplasmosis capsulatum grows in soil and other materials contaminated with bat or bird droppings. It is most common in the eastern and central United States. Spores become airborne when contaminated soil is disturbed. Breathing the spores causes infection. The disease is not transmitted from person to person, and most infected persons are asymptomatic. Respiratory symptoms, general malaise, fever, chest pains, and a dry or nonproductive cough characterize acute respiratory disease. 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 of the disease is fatal unless treated.
