Which of the following is TRUE about Histoplasmosis?
Correct Answer: In early stages it is indistinguishable from T.B.
Description: Histoplasma capsulatum is a dimorphic fungus. That grows in the yeast phase in tissue and in cultures incubated at 37degC. The mold phase grows in cultures incubated at 22deg to 25degC and as a saprophyte in soil. Like T.B. histoplasma infection is acquired by inhalation. Inhalation of the mold microconidia, which are small enough (2 to 5 m) to reach the terminal bronchioles and alveoli, is believed to be the mode of infection. The hallmark of histoplasmosis is infection of the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and other elements of the reticuloendothelial system with intracellular growth in phagocytic macrophages. Progressive pulmonary disease occurs in a form similar to that of pulmonary tuberculosis, including the development of cavities, with sputum production, night sweats, and weight loss. An impoant distinguishing point in histoplasma infection is that it is never transmitted from man to man. Culture is required for firm diagnosis. Ref: Ray C.G., Ryan K.J. (2010). Chapter 46. Cryptococcus, Histoplasma, Coccidioides, and Other Systemic Fungal Pathogens. In C.G. Ray, K.J. Ryan (Eds), Sherris Medical Microbiology, 5e.
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