Histoplasmosis: Complications And Prevention

Histoplasmosis is an infectious condition caused by a fungus known as Histoplasma. This fungus is present in the soil, and it is especially common in soil containing bird and rat droppings. Patients become infected with the fungus when they inhale its spores. Typically, the spores become airborne through home renovation, cleanup, and demolition projects. Construction workers, farmers, landscapers, and others who frequently work with soil are at an elevated risk of this infection. In the United States, the Histoplasma fungus is prevalent in the Ohio and Mississippi river valley areas. While the majority of infected individuals will not develop symptoms, those who become symptomatic may have a dry cough or a fever, and they might develop significant fatigue as well. Some patients may also experience chest pain. These symptoms usually resolve on their own for patients who are otherwise healthy. However, medication may be needed for patients who have histoplasmosis and an underlying medical condition that weakens the immune system.

The list below outlines some recommended preventative steps and potential complications of histoplasmosis.

Adrenal Insufficiency

Adrenal insufficiency, one of the potential complications of histoplasmosis, is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not make enough of a hormone called cortisol. Patients with adrenal insufficiency may experience weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. To diagnose this insufficiency, doctors carry out blood tests, and imaging studies can sometimes be useful in finding the cause. The typical treatment method for adrenal insufficiency is a prescription of cortisol that helps restore the body's levels of this hormone to normal. Patients with adrenal insufficiency may also benefit from consuming a diet that is high in sodium. For patients with histoplasmosis, symptoms of adrenal insufficiency normally improve as the histoplasmosis is managed.

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Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome may occur if histoplasmosis causes significant lung damage. Considered a form of respiratory failure, symptoms of acute respiratory distress syndrome often include shortness of breath, a blue tinge to the skin, and rapid breathing. These symptoms are produced when the lungs fill with fluid, resulting in low oxygen levels and making breathing nearly impossible. Doctors can diagnose acute respiratory distress syndrome with a physical examination, blood tests, and a chest x-ray. The syndrome requires emergency treatment in the hospital, where patients are provided with oxygen, and staff may also try to get the patient to lie face down on the hospital bed. Known as prone positioning, this is believed to improve the body's oxygen levels. If necessary, patients can be placed on a ventilator to help them breathe. The ventilator delivers oxygen into the patient's trachea, and patients may need to be sedated while on the ventilator. Some patients will also be given diuretics to reduce the amount of fluid accumulation in the lungs. In severe cases, doctors may try to use extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as a treatment option. This complex procedure involves removing blood from the body and pumping it through a device that adds oxygen and takes out carbon dioxide. The oxygenated blood is then returned to the patient.

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Meningitis

Meningitis is one of the most severe complications histoplasmosis may cause. The condition results in swelling of the membranes that protect both the brain and spinal cord. It is normally caused by bacteria or by a virus, and the bacterial form is particularly dangerous. Occasionally, meningitis caused by a fungus may mimic the symptoms of the bacterial form. Meningitis is considered a potentially life-threatening infection that requires immediate treatment. Symptoms include a fever, severe headaches, and a stiff neck. Patients may also experience light sensitivity, seizures, confusion, vomiting, and a rash. To diagnose meningitis, doctors perform a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. Blood cultures and imaging studies may also be needed. Treatment for meningitis normally consists of intravenous antibiotics, and corticosteroids are sometimes added. Several vaccines are available that can prevent the bacterial form of this infection.

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Avoid Exposure To The Fungus

To reduce the risk of developing histoplasmosis, doctors routinely recommend that patients avoid exposure to the fungus. Individuals who have cancer, HIV, or other chronic health conditions that compromise the immune system may wish to completely avoid doing any activities that could cause them to come into contact with this fungus. For example, public health officials encourage patients with weakened immune systems to avoid cleaning out chicken or pigeon coops and exploring caves. They also advise that patients should not dig soil or chop wood in areas with evidence of bird or bat droppings. Caution should be used when demolishing, renovating, or remodeling homes or other properties. If patients notice large amounts of droppings from birds or bats on their property, they should contact professional cleaners to get rid of these. If a patient believes they may be working in an area where the fungus is present, they should wear a respirator mask and other safety gear as appropriate.

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Spray Potentially Contaminated Surfaces

To prevent the fungus that causes histoplasmosis from becoming airborne, health officials recommend that individuals spray potentially contaminated surfaces with water before working on them. For example, individuals who own chickens, pigeons, or other birds should spray coops, barns, and other areas where birds have been prior to cleaning these. Similarly, patients who are planning to do yard work or gardening should consider spraying the soil with water from a water hose before beginning their tasks. This is especially important since it may not be possible to see bird and bat droppings in the soil. Even if individuals do not own birds, spraying the soil before any outdoor work is recommended. Patients who live in areas where the fungus is common may wish to ask their healthcare team for individualized advice about precautions that may help them reduce their risk of histoplasmosis.