Histoplasmosis and Blastomycosis

Histoplasmosis and blastomycosis are fungal infections that affect the lungs. While anyone can contract these illnesses, farmers and those that work around soil are at higher risk for developing histoplasmosis. Hunters, forestry workers and others who work in wooded areas have a greater risk of exposure to blastomycosis.

Causes

• Histoplasmosis is caused by a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum, also referred to as H. capsulatum, and blastomycosis is caused by a fungus called Blastomyces dermatitidis. Both are transmitted by airborne spores that are released into the air when soil where the fungus lives is disturbed. H. capsulatum can be transported on the feet, wings and beak of birds and can infect the soil located under roosting sites. Blastomyces dermatitidis may be found in wooded areas where there are decomposing leaves and other organic materials.

Symptoms

• Commonly, histoplasmosis produces no signs or symptoms but, if symptoms do occur, they will usually appear between three to 17 days after exposure. Symptoms appear in 50 percent of blastomycosis infections, occurring between three to 15 weeks after exposure. Infants and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience symptoms.

  According to the CDC, histoplasmosis and blastomycosis may present as a flu-like respiratory illness with symptoms that may include fever, chills, chest pain, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, headache, joint and muscle pain, dry cough, hoarseness and general malaise. Neither infection is contagious.

Treatment

• If symptoms are present, histoplasmosis and blastomycosis may lead to more serious health problems if left untreated. A health-care provider will usually prescribe antifungal drugs.