What is the shape of Histoplasma capsulatum?

What is the shape of Histoplasma capsulatum?

capsulatum are generally small yeast cells (2–4 μm in length), thick-walled and ovoid with a narrow base at the smaller end, whereas variants found predominantly in Africa (Hc variety duboisii) produced larger yeast cells (8–15 μm in length).

Is Histoplasma capsulatum a mold or yeast?

The dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum is the etiologic agent of one of the most common systemic mycoses of humans, histoplasmosis. In the environment, H. capsulatum grows in a differentiated mold form and shifts to an undifferentiated yeast form after mold fragments or spores are inhaled.

How do you get Histoplasma capsulatum?

Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by breathing in spores of a fungus often found in bird and bat droppings. The infection is most commonly spread when these spores are inhaled after taking to the air, such as during demolition or cleanup projects.

Why Histoplasma capsulatum is called capsulatum?

He named this microorganism Histoplasma capsulatum because it invaded the cytoplasm (plasma) of histiocyte-like cells (Histo) and had a refractive halo mimicking a capsule (capsulatum), a misnomer (Figure).

How does Histoplasma capsulatum reproduce?

H. capsulatum is mycelial in the environment, whereas the organism exists as a yeast-like, unicellular fungus that reproduces by budding at human physiological temperatures.

Where is Histoplasma capsulatum found?

In the United States, Histoplasma mainly lives in soil in the central and eastern states, particularly areas around the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys, 1 but it can likely live in other parts of the country as well. The fungus also lives in parts of Central and South America, 3 Africa, 4 Asia, 5 and Australia.

How is Histoplasma capsulatum treated?

Severe infections or disseminated cases of histoplasmosis require treatment with antifungal medications. Itraconazole (Sporanox, Onmel), fluconazole (Diflucan), and amphotericin B (Ambisome, Amphotec; drug of choice for severe disease) are antifungal drugs that treat histoplasmosis.