Experience with Histoplasmosis?

[Simba's Mom]

Dad just got diagnosed with severe chronic histoplasmosis today. He's 2000miles away, so I only know what I'm told. Apparently, he went for tests for constant cough (usually w/mucus), tiredness, weight loss, general yucky feeling. He says the doctor told him he probably got it while in the Army, some 50+years ago. He's taking "little white pills", doesn't know what they're called. And he's almost 78 yo. Should I be worried about this? Mom says it's "no big deal" but I don't know...

 

[GoodFairies]

I'm digging way back...but here's what I remember about Histoplasma. I know that usually only the elderly or the immuno-compromised get it. I know that the people who usually contracted it were chicken farmers or bridge painters/workers, because it's found in bird and bat feces. Someone who has it can be asymptomatic or have symptoms. From when I worked in the mycology lab, we had 3-4 "big bads" that we watched out for, the dimorphic fungi, and this is one of them. I believe only 1-2 cases passed through our lab the year I worked there. Anyway, like all fungi, it's harder to treat than bacteria, but there are antifungals, which it sounds like he is taking. I would try not to worry until he finishes this first course of treatment. Sometimes it can be treated with that and sometimes it takes more. It doesn't normally cause death in someone who is otherwise fairly healthy, but you don't want it spreading all throughout the body either.

 

[lemondog]

The fact that it's chronic is much better than acute. Probably been carrying the germ around for so many years, now that he is older and his immune system is down, he came down with the symptoms. If the doctor is not concerned then you shouldn't be either. This is the same disease that Jim Henson died from, but please remember that every case is different and your dads sounds like it's under control.

 

[powellrj]

I had histoplasmosis several years ago. I remember when I was diagnosed with it, they really weren't too concerned about it and told me that most people in the area we live in have it. I was surprised to learn years later that people actually die from it.

I do remember I felt yucky for a long time. I hope your dad feels better soon.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Thaks so much, everyone. I'll hope for the best.