Histoplasmosis

This is caused by Histoplasma capsulatum. The organism is dimorphic (being a mold that can convert to a yeast form). The lungs are the main site of infection but dissemination to the liver, heart and central nervous system can occur. Pulmonary infection can resemble symptoms seen in tuberculosis.

H. capsulatum is endemic in many parts of the world including North and South America. It is found in the soil and growth is enhanced by the presence of bird and bat excreta. Environments containing such material are often implicated as sources of human infection.