Signs and symptoms of respiratory histoplasmosis include fever, headache, and weakness with some chest discomfort. The initial diagnosis is often based on chest radiographs and cultures grown on fungal selective media

Signs and Symptoms of Histoplasmosis 

Diagnosis of histoplasmosis is often based on chest radiographs and cultures grown on fungal selective media like Sabouraud's dextrose agar. Direct fluorescence antibody staining and Giemsa staining can also be used for diagnosis. In addition, serological tests including a complement fixation assay and histoplasmin sensitivity can be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Diagnosis of Histoplasmosis

In cases where histoplasmosis has spread to other body systems, the antifungal agents amphotericin B and ketoconazole are effective. Itraconazole may be effective in immunocompromised patients, in whom the disease can be more serious.

Treatment of Histoplasmosis

Following inhalation, the spores enter the lungs and are phagocytized by alveolar macrophages. The fungal cells then survive and multiply within these phagocytes. Focal infections cause the formation of granulomatous lesions, which can lead to calcifications that resemble the Ghon complexes of tuberculosis, even in asymptomatic cases. Histoplasmosis can become chronic and reactivation can occur, along with dissemination to other areas of the body

Pathogenesis of *Histoplasma capsulatum*

Histoplasmosis most commonly occurs in the Mississippi Valley of the United States, and is commonly referred to as the "Mississippi Valley Fever." It is acquired by inhaling microconidial spores in the air. It not transmitted from human to human. The causative agent is *Histoplasma capsulatum.*

Austin Community College

Exposure to various fungi can lead to infections of the respiratory system. Some of the diseases caused by fungi include:
 - Histoplasmosis
 - Coccidioidomycosis
 - Blastomycosis
 - Mucormycosis
 - Aspergillosis
 - Pneumocystis Pneumonia
 - Cryptococcosis

The Different Fungal Infections of the Respiratory System 

https://openstax.org/details/books/microbiology/

Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

OpenStax Microbiology Textbook

Histoplasmosis

Coccidioidomycosis is acquired by inhaling fungal spores. Because the microbe is endemic to the San Joaquin Valley of California, the disease is sometimes referred to as "Valley fever." Coccidioidomycosis is caused by *Coccidioides immitis.*

Coccidioidomycosis

Blastomycosis is a rare disease caused by *Blastomyces dermatitidis.*

Blastomycosis

Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection caused by a variety of fungi. including include bread molds, like *Rhizopus* and *Mucor*; the most commonly associated species is *Rhizopus arrhizus* 

Mucormycosis

aspergillosis is caused by the inhalation of *Aspergillus* spores

Aspergillosis

Cryptococcosis is a respiratory infection caused by *Cryptococcus neoformans*

Cryptococcosis

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a type of pneumonia and is caused by *Pneumocystis jirovecii.*

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