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.
Can cats survive histoplasmosis?
"A cat in poor condition or with advanced disease is less likely to survive." In all cases, treatment is prolonged.
How long do cats live with histoplasmosis?
Unfortunately, even when treated appropriately, only about 70 percent of dogs and cats survive to six months after diagnosis — even otherwise healthy and young to middle-aged ones. This highlights the need for a better recognition of histoplasmosis, hopefully leading to earlier diagnoses and better treatment outcomes.
How do animals get histoplasmosis?
Humans and animals most commonly get this infection by inhaling fungal spores, which then reach the lower airways where they multiply and set up a localized infection.
Is histoplasmosis contagious from cat to cat?
Histoplasmosis is a non-contagious fungal infection of dogs, cats, other domestic and non-domestic animals, and humans.
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