infections
Histoplasmosis
Forms of Histoplasmosis
There are three main forms of histoplasmosis: Acute pulmonary histoplasmosis:This form is the initial form of the infection. It occurs in the lungs and usually remains there. Progressive disseminated histoplasmosis:If the immune system is weakened or is immature, the infection may spread (disseminate) from the lungs through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, such as the brain, spinal cord, liver, spleen, lymph nodes, adrenal glands, digestive system, or bone marrow. This form rarely occurs in healthy adults. It usually occurs in malnourished infants or very young children or in people with a weakened immune system, such as those who have HIV/AIDS, an organ transplant, or who are taking medications that suppress the immune system, including corticosteroids. Chronic cavitary histoplasmosis:In this form, one or more spaces (cavities) form in the lungs gradually, over several weeks. The infection does not spread from the lungs to other parts of the body. 