Antifungal Drug Resistance in Histoplasmosis

Abstract

Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum is an ascomycete from the Arthrodermataceae family, and the causative agent of histoplasmosis. It is found in soil, particularly in microfoci of bat or starling guano, growing as a mold (1). The mold consists of hyphae bearing both macroconidia and the infectious microconidia. H. capsulatum grows as a yeast at temperatures exceeding 35°C. It is the yeast form that is primarily found in the infected host. The organism is endemic to certain parts of North America, primarily the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys.