Pulmonary histoplasmosis capsulati

**Definition:** A disease of the pulmonary system, caused by an infection with the fungi Histoplasma capsulatum. This disease is characterised by fever, chest pains, or a dry, nonproductive cough. Transmission is by inhalation of fungal spores, commonly from contaminated soil, or bat or bird faeces. Confirmation is by identification of Histoplasma capsulatum from affected tissue or body fluids, detection of antibodies against Histoplasma capsulatum, or detection of Histoplasma capsulatum antigen.