What Is Histoplasmosis?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
2. Causes
As mentioned, the infection is caused by the histoplasma capsulatum fungus. The fungus will thrive in soil and, when soil is disturbed, or buildings knocked down, the fungus can be flung into the air where it can hang for a long time before settling again. This makes it easy for it to be inhaled.
The fungus tends to be found in soil that is nutrient rich. The droppings from animals like bats and birds can enrich the soil. It is also sometimes known as the cave disease, because large colonies of bats will often make their homes in caves. It cannot be transmitted from person to person.
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