Fungi Q&A
Three types of fungi — Histoplasma, Coccidioides and Blastomyces — that cause serious lung infections were thought to be confined to certain regions of the United States. But now they are widespread in the country, Tina Hesman Saey reported in “Where fungal lung infections have spread” (SN: 1/14/23, p. 32).
The story prompted so many questions from readers about the symptoms, treatments and testing for these fungal infections that Saey answered them in a follow-up article online. An abridged version appears below.
How do you get infected?
People generally get infected by inhaling fungal spores. Human activities such as farming, gardening and construction can disturb the soil where these fungi live, stirring up spores. Bird droppings and bat guano can also be sources of Histoplasma. Sweeping dried droppings increases the risk that spores will get kicked into the air and inhaled.
When cleaning up bird and bat droppings, it’s best to first wet them with a hose. Wearing a mask can also help limit exposure.
What are the symptoms and treatments?
People with healthy immune systems may show no symptoms or may develop mild flulike symptoms, including fever, cough, fatigue, chills and body aches. Other symptoms may include chest pain or discomfort, weight loss, headache, muscle or joint pain, shortness of breath or night sweats.
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People with coccidioidomycosis, also known as valley fever — the disease caused by Coccidioides — may also get a rash on their legs or upper body.
Symptoms can take time to appear. Those of histoplasmosis, the disease caused by Histoplasma, can develop between three and 17 days after exposure. Valley fever symptoms can appear between one and three weeks after exposure. For blastomycosis, the disease caused by Blastomyces, symptom onset can take…
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