Histoplasmosis

Exam Cram

• Histoplasmosis causes systemic mycosis (fungal infection) in North America transmitted by birds and bats, bug: Histoplasma capsulatum

• Presentation: URTI, substernal pain, arthralgia 

• CXR: patchy pulmonary infiltrates, mediastinum widening

• Management: amphotericin B

Outline

Background

• Infection from bat faeces

Assessment

History

• Travel history to North America

• Headaches, myalgia, purulent cough/ haemoptysis

Examination

• Erythema nodosum

• Bilateral wheeze

Investigations

• Anaemia

• Raised inflammatory markers, CRP

• CXR: bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy

Diagnosis

Diagnostic criteria: 

• Diagnosis: culture blood, urine, bone marrow or sputum

Differential diagnosis:

Classification:

Management

Acute

1. Intraconazole 

2. Amphotericin B (2nd line or severe)

Chronic:

References and Resources

Page written in 2024.