Dimorphic fungi can switch between yeast and mold forms to suit pathogen colonization. The mold form is nonpathogenic and found in the environment so transmission by spores is possible. Once inhaled, the spores convert into the yeast form and become pathogenic within the host. Common dimorphic fungi include Blastomyces, Coccidioides, and Histoplasma (31). This patient has a disseminated form of Histoplasma capsulatum var capsulatum. Histoplasma is the most common dimorphic mycoses that can cause progressive disseminated disease in AIDS patients (32).
b. Does the patient’s country of origin (Panama) give any additional clue? Are there particular environments in which this organism is more likely to be found?
There is a high occurrence of histoplasmosis in Panama as well as the rest of Central America. This includes regions like Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. Histoplasma is likely to be found in soil rich with nitrogen. This type of environment occurs where bats and birds are commonly found due to accumulation of nitrogen rich guano (33).
c. How does this organism appear at body temperature? At room temperature?
Since …show more content…
If enough of the fungus is inhaled, those with no exposure can develop progressive disseminated histoplasmosis that can be acute, subacute, or chronic. The inhalation of mycelial Histoplasma starts in the lungs as the fungus converts into its yeast form. From there, the yeast will become systemic and spread out of the lungs to one or multiple organs. Subacute infections can lead to death within two years with symptoms including liver infections, ulcers on mucosal surfaces, and destruction of the adrenal gland. Acute infections, which are more common in immunocompromised patients, can be fatal within weeks and may lead to multiorgan failure, sepsis, and respiratory failure
b. Does the patient’s country of origin (Panama) give any additional clue? Are there particular environments in which this organism is more likely to be found?
There is a high occurrence of histoplasmosis in Panama as well as the rest of Central America. This includes regions like Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. Histoplasma is likely to be found in soil rich with nitrogen. This type of environment occurs where bats and birds are commonly found due to accumulation of nitrogen rich guano (33).
c. How does this organism appear at body temperature? At room temperature?
Since …show more content…
If enough of the fungus is inhaled, those with no exposure can develop progressive disseminated histoplasmosis that can be acute, subacute, or chronic. The inhalation of mycelial Histoplasma starts in the lungs as the fungus converts into its yeast form. From there, the yeast will become systemic and spread out of the lungs to one or multiple organs. Subacute infections can lead to death within two years with symptoms including liver infections, ulcers on mucosal surfaces, and destruction of the adrenal gland. Acute infections, which are more common in immunocompromised patients, can be fatal within weeks and may lead to multiorgan failure, sepsis, and respiratory failure