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Histoplasmosis is a disease caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum.  The fungus lives in the environment, usually in association with large amounts of bird or bat droppings. Lung infection can occur after a person inhales airborne, microscopic fungal spores from the environment; however, many people who inhale the spores do not get sick. The symptoms of histoplasmosis are similar to pneumonia, and the infection can sometimes become serious if it is not treated.

For other Fungal topics, visit the Fungal Homepage.

Microscopy of Histoplasma capsulatum

A photomicrograph of Histoplasma capsulatum isolated from a soil sample.

Histoplasmosis Topics

A green icon of a pencil and note pad.Definition

What is Histoplasmosis?…

A green icon of a stethoscope.Symptoms

Sinus & skin infections, lungs, clinical features…

A green icon with a magnifying glass and foot print.Risk & Prevention

Who gets it and how it can be prevented…

A green icon of a petri dish.Causes

Inhalation of spores from the environment…

A green icon of a microscope.Diagnosis & Testing

See your health care provider, sample tissue, clinical diagnosis…

A green icon representing prescription drugs.Treatment & Outcomes

Antifungal treatment, mortality rate…

A green icon of the caduceus.Additional Information

Resources and publications…

A green icon of a horizontal bar chart.Statistics

Incidence, surveillance…

 
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