Histoplasmosis in Italy

Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum and Histoplasma capsulatum var. duboisii (in Africa) [1]. These infective agents are present mainly in the soil, particularly if contaminated with bird or bat droppings. The infection, acquired via inhalation, is generally asymptomatic, but in a small percentage of cases (1%) it may result in influenza-like symptoms, often self-limiting. It affects mainly immunocompromised patients and worsens in case of high exposure level. It may involve all organs and systems, and may mimic many other infectious and non-infectious disorders, which are more frequent just in these immunocompromised hosts.