Histoplasmosis Cluster, Golf Course, Canada

Abstract

We report a cluster of 4 cases of acute histoplasmosis (1 culture proven and 3 with positive serology, of which 2 were symptomatic) associated with exposure to soil during a golf course renovation. Patients in western Canada with compatible symptoms should be tested for histoplasmosis, regardless of their travel or exposure history.

Occupation, Lifestyle, Diet, and Invasive Fungal Infections

“…Activities that disrupt the soil during excavation and the construction, demolition, and rehabilitation of buildings generate infected dust; therefore, construction workers in endemic areas should also be considered to be at a high risk of contracting histoplasmosis [6]. For example, researchers reported a cluster of cases of acute histoplasmosis associated with exposure to soil during a golf course renovation [7]. Even employees working inside modern air-conditioned buildings may be exposed to low levels of H. capsulatum spores in urban settings [8].…”

Genetic diversity of Histoplasma capsulatum isolated from infected bats randomly captured in Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina, using the polymorphism of (GA)n microsatellite and its flanking regions

“…Currently, H. capsulatum is more widespread in the world since its presence has been detected in other regions, such as Alberta, Canada, which is located at 54 N latitude, where histoplasmosis outbreaks have been reported (Anderson et al 2006). Histoplasmosis infection in the American continent is commonly found in endemic areas of the United States (the Ohio and Mississippi valleys) and in most Latin American countries, where a mild to severe form of the disease is frequently recorded (Taylor et al , 2000bZancope-Oliveira et al 2005).…”

Bats, Fever and Adenopathy – What Is the Link?

“…Endemic areas of histoplasmosis include most of Latin America, eastern Asia, Africa, Australia and the eastern half of the United States, including the Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys (3,4). In Canada, it is found predominantly in the central provinces along the St Lawrence River, with isolated reports from Atlantic provinces, Northern Territories and Alberta (7)(8)(9). Histoplasmosis rarely occurs in individuals living outside of endemic areas unless it is 'imported' from an endemic area (10).…”

“…She was not taking immunosuppressive medications and did not have diabetes or kidney disease. She had a slightly low CD4 count of 0.44×10 9 hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection, and her HIV 1 and HIV 2 ELISA testing were negative. Overall, there was no evidence of either primary or secondary immunodeficiency.…”