Histoplasmosis is caused by a fungus found in the central and eastern U.S., eastern Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America, Africa, and southeastern Asia. The fungus has been linked to exposure to birds, bird feathers, and bats. Histoplasmosis, a type of fungus, exists as a spore in the soil in endemic areas. Exposure is usually through inhalation of the spore.
Most cases are mild or asymptomatic .
The symptoms most commonly occur as a nonspecific respiratory infection similar to a cold or flu . The acute disease may occur in epidemics, with illness lasting for 1 to 6 months, but it is rarely fatal. The acute progressive Histoplasmosis continues to worsen and is often fatal within 6 weeks or less. It involves the liver, spleen, and all the organs of the body. Skin lesions are common with progressive Histoplasmosis.