Pulmonary Histoplasmosis

Quick Facts on Histoplasma capsulatum:

 • Dimorphic fungi, in yeast phase within the body

 • Most common endemic fungal disease

 • Most common in North America: Central and Midwest US, Ohio and Mississippi river valleys

 • Lives in soil, especially contaminated with bird or bat droppings

Making the Diagnosis of Histoplasmosis:

 • Histology / cytology, Sputum / BAL cx, Serum and Urine, Antigen testing, Serology, PCR

Treatment:

 • Depends on severity and chronicity of disease

 • Resistant to echinocandins (e.g. micafungin)!!

 • Mild to moderate disease:

   - Treat with azole

   - Itraconazole first line

   - Duration depends on acute or chronic disease

 • Severe disease

   - Liposomal amphotericin

   - Followed by extended azole therapy

   - Add corticosteroids for respiratory failure (guidelines / data vary!)



@PulmPEEPs



#Pulmonary #Histoplasmosis #capsulatum #diagnosis #management #treatment #Histoplasma