Health Encyclopedia

Histoplasmosis - disseminated

Definition

Disseminated histoplasmosis is a fungal infection that occurs after inhaling the spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum.

Alternative Names

Systemic histoplasmosis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Histoplasmosis is caused by a fungus found 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 without symptoms. Acute pulmonary histoplasmosis may occur in epidemics. Progressive or spreading (disseminated) and chronic disease can also occur. In disseminated disease, the infection has spread to other organs from the lungs through the bloodstream.

The liver and spleen are usually enlarged, and all body organs may be involved. Ulcerations of the mouth or gastrointestinal tract may occur. Risk factors are travel to or residence within the central or eastern United States, and exposure to the droppings of birds and bats.

Symptoms

Chills
Cough
Fever
Headache
Joint pain
Mental status changes
Muscle aches and stiffness
Nausea, vomiting
Possible rash (erythema nodosum)
Skin lesions
Visual changes (chorioretinitis)

Signs and tests

A physical examination may show abnormalities throughout the body.

Tests used to diagnose disseminated histoplasmosis may include:

Abdominal CT scan
Abdominal ultrasound
Biopsy or culture of affected organs, bone marrow, liver, lymph node, lung, or skin
Blood cultures
Chest x-ray
Complete blood count (CBC)
Histoplasma urinary antigen test
MRI scan of the affected organs

Treatment

Doctors prescribe antifungal medications to control the infection. Often patients need several months of treatment. Those who have suppressed immune systems (for example, from AIDS) might need lifelong treatment.

Expectations (prognosis)

The disease may progress rapidly and death can occur.

Complications

Multiple organs are affected.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of disseminated histoplasmosis, particularly if you have been recently treated for acute or chronic histoplasmosis.

Emergency symptoms include mental status changes and rapid worsening of the condition.

Prevention

Avoiding travel to areas where this spore is found can prevent the disease, but this may not be practical. Avoid bird or bat droppings if you are in one of these areas, especially if you are immunosuppressed.

References

What LJ, Freifeld AG, Kleiman MB, Baddley JW, McKinsey DS, Loyd JE, Kauffman CA. Clinical practice guidelines for the management of patients with histoplasmosis: 2007 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis, 2007;45:807-825.

Review Date:11/1/2007
Reviewed By:Kenneth M. Wener, M.D., Department of Infectious Diseases, Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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