The organism has been isolated from the soil and armadillos in the coffee-growing lands. Cultures Attempt to obtain a culture because yeast isolation proves activity of the infectious process. Cultures usually are kept for 6 weeks. The test has a quantitative nature that allows evaluation of patient response to treatment but may cross react with H capsulatum antigens. In a patient with active disease, this study reveals patchy or confluent nodular infiltrates or condensed lesions, which frequently are bilateral and symmetric.
Cavities are frequent, but hilar adenopathy is rare.
In a patient with long-term disease, the rule is fibrosis, bullae, and the presence of emphysematous areas. Chronic cor pulmonale can cause right ventricular hypertrophy. Supportive care Correct patient anemia. Improve patient diet. Ensure patient receives rest.