Histoplasma Capsulatum

Introduction

Histoplasma capsulatum causes the disease known as Histoplasmosis which alters the virulent human body. In the Americas are the most important endemic areas due to favorable climatic conditions for the development of this fungus. The disease is related to their occupation and exposure to infectious particles found in excreta of bats and birds deposited on the ground (Washburn & Davis, pp. 1521).

Who gets Histoplasmosis?

Histoplasmosis is an infectious disease that exists mostly in America and is produced by a fungus (Histoplasma capsulatum) that focuses on the guano (feces) of bats and birds. For this reason, cavers visiting some countries, particularly in the Americas suffer a particular risk of infection. Known as "cave disease", considering that this condition is seen most often in people who explore, such as recreation or professionally underground cavities, Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which grows as a mold soil, and bats, rats, dogs, cats and other animals can contract the disease and also play a role in transmission (Halliday, pp. 28).

Spread of Histoplasmosis

Histoplasma capsulatum is found in soil throughout the world. In the United States, the fungus is endemic (most prevalent) and the proportion of people infected with H. capsulatum is higher in the eastern states and the center, especially along the valleys of the Ohio, Mississippi, St. Lawrence and the Rio Grande. The fungus seems to grow best in soils with high nitrogen content do, especially those enriched with bat or bird droppings. The handling of contaminated material that small spores of H. capsulatum become volatile, once airborne, spores can be easily carried by wind currents over long distances. The reservoir is the soil where manure is deposited bats, birds and birds, and the infection is contracted through breathing. The main sources of infection are often mines, caves, tunnels ...