Histoplasmosis

I was asked by my dear what's the other name of histoplasmosis. Ok..i admit i am dumb, and before this, i jz knew histoplasmosis is a fungal infection which mostly affects the lungs,that's all. So i decided to find out more about it...(though i am having summer holidays now, my 'CME' still goes on ok.Haha!)

Histoplasmosis (Darling's disease)
Etiology : Histoplasma capsulatum

Epidemiology : throughout the world, and endemic in certain areas in the USA.

Transmission : It's contracted by inhalation of the spores from soil or guana. It isn't contagious!

Clinical picture : After exposure, the symptoms will appear in 3-17 days (average 12-14days).
Most patients show no apparent illnesses. The acute phase of histoplasmosis is
characterized by non-specific respiratory symptoms. Chronic histoplasmosis cases can resemble tuberculosis; disseminated histoplasmosis affects multiple organ systems and is fatal unless treated.
Severe infections can cause hepatosplenomegaly, lymphomegaly and adrenal
enlargement. These lesions tend to calcify as they heal.
Ocular histoplasmosis can result in loss of vision.

Diagnosis : Look for the fungus in the blood, sputum or infected organs. ELISA or PCR. It can also be diagnosed by a test for antibodies against Histoplasma in the blood. Histoplasma skin tests indicate whether a person has been exposed, but do not indicate whether they have the disea

Treatment : Antifungal medications are used to treat severe cases of acute histoplasmosis and all cases of chronic and disseminated disease. Typical treatment of severe disease first involves treatment with amphotericin B, followed by oral itraconazole.^[3] In many milder cases, simply itraconazole is sufficient. Asymptomatic disease is typically not treated. Past infection results in partial protection against ill effects if reinfected.

(Source : Wikipedia)

p/s : For those who laughing at my dumbness. Pls do it in private ok...Feel so bad now..Certainly have to study harder now...As my hsmate and i always say, 'have to turn into new leaves' next semester...But, after few semesters...i am still the same old leaf..Perhaps next sem?..Haha..