What is the infectious agent that causes histoplasmosis?
Histoplasmosis is caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, a fungus. The fungus produces spores that can be inhaled when they get into the air. Spores are hardy forms of the fungus that can live in the environment for a long time. They are frequently found in bat or bird droppings How do people get histoplasmosis? Histoplasmosis is spread through the air. If soil containing the histoplasmosis fungus is disturbed, the fungus spores get into the air. People can breathe in the spores and get histoplasmosis. The disease is not spread from person to person. What complications can result from histoplasmosis? Acute histoplasmosis can keep getting worse or can become chronic. Acute histoplasmosis can also spread from the lungs to other organs and lead to the disseminated form of the disease, especially in persons with weakened immune systems. How can histoplasmosis be prevented? Avoid areas where the fungus might be growing, especially areas with accumulations of bird or bat droppings. The fungus oft
