Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection that develops when a person inhales airborne spores that contains fungus. This type of fungus is very common in the USA and more particular in the Mississippi river valleys. One can acquire this infection while handling the bird droppings that contain the fungus. Not all the people who are exposed to the spores develop histoplasmosis. This infectious disease produces pneumonia like symptoms. Mild form of infection needs no treatment and only severe forms are to be treated. Still no vaccine has been developed for histoplasmosis.
Symptoms :
There are several types of this fungal infection. Mostly there will not be any signs for people who are mildly affected. Moderate and severe forms would have symptoms like fever, chills, headache, muscle pain and dry cough. Initial symptoms begin to appear 3-15 days after exposure to fungus spores.
For severe cases it can cause discomfort in the chest and shortness of breath. Some people may also develop joint pain along with skin rashes. Chronic type of histoplasmosis can cause weight loss and persistent cough with bloody mucus. Infants and people with low immunity can easily develop histoplasmosis in severe form. If not treated early, it can cause death.
Causes :
The spores of the fungus by name Histoplasma capsulatum is the root cause for this infection. These spores can get easily transported through air and even birds can easily carry them. The spores can live safely in moist soil that contains the bird droppings or any organic material. Hence pigeon and chicken are more likely to develop this disease than other birds.
Who are at risk?