Etymed
histoplasmosis
Definition
A fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, characterized by the formation of granulomatous lesions in various tissues, particularly the lungs and lymph nodes
Clinical context
A 32-year-old immunocompetent man presents with a 2-week history of fever, cough, and weight loss. Chest X-ray reveals hilar lymphadenopathy and bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. His CD4 count is normal. Histoplasma capsulatum is cultured from his sputum. What is the most likely diagnosis? The fungus is commonly found in soil contaminated with bird droppings, particularly in the Ohio and Mississippi river valleys.
Mnemonic
HISTOPLASMA - 'H' for Hilar lymphadenopathy, 'I' for Inhaled spores, 'S' for Soil source, 'T' for Tissue granulomas, 'O' for Ohio/Mississippi river valleys, 'P' for Pulmonary involvement, 'L' for Lymph nodes, 'A' for Airborne transmission