What is histoplasmosis?

Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum (histoplasma).

Where is this fungus found?

It is found all over the world. In the United States, the fungus is most common from the Midwest to the mid-Atlantic coast, including some southeastern states. The fungus is typically found in soil and grows like a mold. Soil that is contaminated with bird or bat droppings could probably have higher amounts of the fungus. Although birds are not typically carriers of histoplasma, the fungus appears to thrive in soil contaminated with bird droppings. Bats have been shown to be carriers.

How does a person get infected?

The histoplasma fungus is airborne and enters a person’s body through the lungs while breathing. Workers who work in the fields, including farmers, gardeners, farmers using natural fertilizer products that contain bat or bird droppings, and chicken farmers are at increased risk of contracting and developing histoplasmosis. Similarly, those who work in fields that involve cleaning and / or construction in areas where birds or pigeons roost, such as chimney sweeps, pest control workers, bridge painters / inspectors, roofers, and heating and air conditioning workers are also at risk. Scientists in microbiology labs, those who study bats in caves, or scientists who collect soil samples where birds may be are also at risk. Construction and demolition workers can be exposed to the fungus in dust while working. Workers must take precautions and wear masks, respirators, and protective clothing.

What are the symptoms?

There are different types of histoplasmosis infections. Acute pulmonary histoplasmosis is localized to the lungs and cannot produce noticeable symptoms. In other cases, flu-like symptoms may appear, such as fever, chills, cough, and chest pain when breathing. Chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis can cause chest pain, cough, shortness of breath, sweating, fever, and coughing up blood (hemoptysis). Although localized to the lungs in these cases, in a small number of people the infection can cause inflammation in other parts of the body, including various joints, skin, bones, and the lining of the heart.

The infection can also potentially spread. This is called disseminated histoplasmosis, which can affect the joints and cause skin lesions. A small percentage of people with disseminated histoplasmosis can develop complications of the blood, the lining of the brain (meningitis), and internal organs such as the adrenal gland. Those with compromised immune systems, such as HIV patients, are at increased risk for complications, including those found in disseminated histoplasmosis.

Are there other complications?

Several additional complications can arise from histoplasmosis, including fibrosis or scarring of the lungs. This can have an impact on the heart, lungs, blood vessels, and respiration. Inflammation of the joints can cause pain, rashes can be unsightly, and an inflamed lining of the heart can cause cardiopulmonary complications. These complications can be life threatening.

How is it diagnosed?

Chest x-rays, blood tests, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (lumbar puncture), and urinalysis are some of the ways that doctors can diagnose histoplasmosis. Currently, skin tests can also be used to diagnose infection.

How is it treated?

Treatment of histoplasmosis involves the administration of antifungal drugs such as itraconazole or ketoconazole. People with chronic or disseminated histoplasmosis, especially those with weakened immune systems, may need a stronger medicine for a longer period of time.

Can I sue for this?

If you have acquired a histoplasmosis infection while working, we know of many attorneys across the state who have had great success litigating unique workers’ compensation cases. Any attorney we recommend to you will have years of experience handling workers’ compensation cases. By using Findgreatlawyers.com, we cannot guarantee the outcome of your case, but your chances of success will increase.

How will I pay for an attorney?

Your attorney must charge a contingency fee if you contracted histoplasmosis while on the job. This means that you will not pay attorney’s fees unless you obtain a recovery amount. All costs associated with your case must be paid by your attorney, which means that you pay nothing until you win. If you win, all litigation fees, costs and expenses will come from the amount you recover in your case.