Histoplasmosis is a chronic, non-contagious fungal infection caused by the soil-dwelling fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. H. capsulatum is found globally and may infect both humans and animals. However, histoplasmosis is uncommon to rare in all but dogs and cats.
Can cats get histoplasmosis?
Cats are infected by inhaling, or less commonly ingesting, infectious spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, found in soil contaminated with bat and bird feces. Though outdoor cats are more likely to encounter this type of contaminated soil, histoplasmosis is found in both indoor and outdoor cats.
What animals carry histoplasmosis?
Dogs, cats, rats, skunks, opossum, foxes and other animals also can get histoplasmosis. Who gets histoplasmosis? Anyone can get histoplasmosis. In some areas where the fungus is prevalent, 80 percent or more of the population has been exposed to infection through breathing in airborne spores.
How is histoplasmosis treated in animals?
Treatment: Itraconazole (10 mg/kg/day) is the treatment of choice for disseminated histoplasmosis in dogs and cats, although fluconazole is probably also effective. Ketoconazole, 10–15 mg/kg, bid for 4–6 mo, may be effective in early or mild cases of histoplasmosis in dogs.
How do dogs get histoplasmosis?
By definition, histoplasmosis in dogs is caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum (also known as H. capsulatum). Eating fungal spores in bat feces (guano) is the classic source of the infection, although the fungus can also be transmitted when dogs eat bird droppings and rotting wood, among other sources.
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