However, histoplasmosis is uncommon to rare in all but dogs and cats. The fungus thrives in warm moist environments and is commonly found in soil that contains bird or bat feces.
How common is Histoplasma capsulatum?
Histoplasmosis is a rare fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, which is found in the environment. A median of 184 cases of histoplasmosis are reported each year. Around 50 cases/year are classified epidemiologically as confirmed. Histoplasmosis occurs most frequently in middle-age and older adults.
How did my cat 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.
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 common is histoplasmosis infection?
One study calculated the incidence of histoplasmosis in adults aged 65 years and older in the U.S. to be 3.4 cases per 100,000 population. Rates were highest in the Midwest, with an estimated 6.1 cases per 100,000 population.
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