Can histoplasmosis cause anemia?

Can histoplasmosis cause anemia?

The most common signs and symptoms are fever, shivering, indisposition, weight loss, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, peripheral lymphadenopathy; ulceration of oropharyngeal mucosa (in 25–75% of cases); bone marrow alterations (anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia), and electrolyte abnormalities [2].

What does histoplasmosis do to the body?

Severe histoplasmosis In some people, usually those who have weakened immune systems, histoplasmosis can develop into a long-term lung infection, or it can spread from the lungs to other parts of the body, such as the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord).

Can histoplasmosis turn into cancer?

Clinicians often face challenges distinguishing lung cancer from histoplasmosis, a fungal infection that creates cancer-mimicking lesions in the lungs.

What is disseminated histoplasmosis?

Disseminated histoplasmosis is a fungal infection that occurs after inhaling the spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. See also: Histoplasmosis.

Does chest xray show histoplasmosis?

A chest X-ray (CXR) may show that you have an infection, but histoplasmosis can look like many other conditions such as pneumonia, lung cancer or tuberculosis. A sample of your blood, sputum (phlegm) or other body fluids can be cultured to see if the fungus grows in the sample.

What does histoplasmosis feel like?

In most cases, histoplasmosis causes mild flu-like symptoms that appear between 3 and 17 days after exposure to the fungus. These symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, cough and chest discomfort. In these milder forms, most symptoms go away on their own in a few weeks.

How is empiric therapy used to treat histoplasmosis?

Empiric therapy for tuberculosis and histoplasmosis was initiated. Fungal elements consistent with Histoplasma capsulatum were later identified on bone marrow slides, and bone marrow cultures eventually revealed moderate growth of H. capsulatum. Urine antigen and serologic assays for histoplasmosis were positive.

How is myelosuppression related to bone marrow suppression?

This is called myelosuppression or bone marrow suppression. It can also be a side effect of some cancer treatments, like radiation, chemotherapy drugs, and steroids. Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue in the middle of your bones. It’s where red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are made.

What are the effects of histoplasmosis on the heart?

Complications can include: 1 Acute respiratory distress syndrome. Histoplasmosis can damage lungs to the point that the air sacs begin filling with fluid. 2 Heart problems. Inflammation of the sac that surrounds your heart (pericardium) is called pericarditis. 3 Adrenal insufficiency. 4 Meningitis.

How are blood cultures used to diagnose histoplasmosis?

Blood cultures, febrile agglutinins, and an infectious mononucleosis screen were all negative. Despite the use of antibiotics, the patient’s disease progressed, leading to his referral to the infectious disease clinic and admittance to the children’s hospital for further evaluation.