Histoplasmosis: Causes of  Histoplasmosis

An infection caused due to the histoplasma capsulatum fungus results in what is known as skin lesions of histoplasmosis.



The infection occurs across in almost all parts of the world and is quite widespread. This fungus enters the individual's body through the lungs as the fungal particles are airborne.



This fungus grows under the soil and its parts are spread through bird droppings that have a concentration of the fungus in them. The particles are then entered in the body of the individual who has close contact with the infected fungus. The skin lesions are then developed as the body develops an immune reaction to the presence of the contagion in the lungs. The lesions that develop are known as erythema nodosum or erythema multiforme. In advanced cases the skin lesions are also a sign of appearance when the fungus spreads throughout the body including vital organs such as the stomach, the brain and in the bone marrow. This condition is most commonly viewed in those who are immuno-suppressed for example people with AIDS.

The lesions appear in the form of mouth ulcers that are usually painless or pustules and nodes spread across the body, and other symptoms that are commonly seen with this condition. The only way to find out if this skin lesion is the result of the fungus is to conduct a biopsy. Biopsy usually names out the cause of the lesion and segregates the fungus into the category in which it belongs. However, erythema nodosum and erythema multiforme when dissected do not seem to contain the fungus in them.

Histoplasmosis and Treatment of Histoplasmosis

Medication in AIDS patients or those with highly suppressed immune systems usually helps to stem the further growth or get rid of sores. However, in advanced cases it is not possible to kill the fungus if the fungus has reached critical organs. Intravenous medication involving the rise of anti-fungals, maybe given to the individual depending upon, the seriousness of the situation or the advancement of the disease. In other cases a long term treatment may be administered in the form of topical applications or consumption. This condition is seen among those who work closely in chicken coops or bat caves and other locations that have a high risk of infection. People who are prone to work in such areas must take as much precaution as possible in the form of masks, and such protective equipment necessary for such environments.