Abstract
Outbreaks of histoplasmosis: The spores set sail.
Highlights
In the US, the recent description of cases from Montana suggests that H. capsulatum is wider spread than originally considered
Droppings from several avian species have been implicated in supporting the growth of the fungus; these include starlings, blackbirds, pigeons, and, less commonly, oilbirds and grackles [9]. It was not until the 1940s that H. capsulatum was recovered from the soil, establishing incontrovertibly that infection is acquired from the environment
The reason for the devastating impact is not clear, but the risk factors that were identified included ages greater than 54 and immunosuppression. The scope of these two epidemics establish the importance of the urban setting, wind, and immune status when considering the impact of histoplasmosis on a population
Summary
In the US, the recent description of cases from Montana suggests that H. capsulatum is wider spread than originally considered This fungus is considered to be dimorphic; it grows both as a mold and a yeast. Exposure of the mold phase to 37 ̊C induces an orderly change in gene expression, driving conversion of spores into yeast cells that are typically 2–4 μm in diameter [8]. It is this morphotype that causes most the pathology associated with histoplasmosis [3].
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