histoplasmosis

noun

his·​to·​plas·​mo·​sis ˌhi-stə-plaz-ˈmō-səs 

: a respiratory disease with symptoms like those of influenza that is caused by a fungus (Histoplasma capsulatum) and is marked by benign involvement of lymph nodes of the trachea and bronchi or by severe progressive generalized involvement of the lymph nodes and tissues (as of the liver or spleen) rich in macrophages

Examples of histoplasmosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After breathing in spores of a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum, which was hidden within the bat poop, the men developed a pneumonia condition called histoplasmosis. —Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

The study highlights two fatal cases of histoplasmosis, a fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, linked to bat guano exposure among marijuana growers. —Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

Doctors initially suspected carcinoma after scans showed a mass on his larynx — but a biopsy sample ultimately tested positive for a histoplasmosis infection. —Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 17 Dec. 2024

The study also urges healthcare providers to be more vigilant when diagnosing histoplasmosis, particularly in marijuana growers and highlights the need for testing commercial bat guano for Histoplasma and educating users on proper handling to avoid fungal infections. —Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Histoplasma, genus of fungi

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

histoplasmosis

noun

his·​to·​plas·​mo·​sis -ˌplaz-ˈmō-səs 

plural histoplasmoses -ˌsēz 

: a respiratory disease with symptoms like those of influenza that is endemic in the Mississippi and Ohio river valleys of the United States, is caused by infection with a fungus of the genus Histoplasma (H. capsulatum), and is marked by benign involvement of lymph nodes of the trachea and bronchi usually without symptoms or by severe progressive generalized involvement of the lymph nodes and macrophage-rich tissues (as of the liver and spleen) with fever, anemia, leukopenia and often with local lesions (as of the skin, mouth, or throat)