infectious diseases
Histoplasmosis
Key Points
Histoplasmosis is a common fungal infection acquired by inhaling spores. It is endemic to the Ohio–Mississippi River valleys, extending into parts of northern Maryland, southern Pennsylvania, central New York, and Texas. It may cause an acute primary pulmonary infection, a chronic cavitary pulmonary infection, or progressive disseminated infection. Diagnose using histopathology, cultures, and/or antigen testing. Acute primary infection is almost always self-limited. For mild to moderate infection, useitraconazole. For severe infection, use liposomalamphotericin B, followed byitraconazole. Untreated progressive disseminated histoplasmosis has a mortality rate of>90%. 