Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 27, 2026
Implementation of a Real-Time Psychosis Risk Detection and Alerting System Based on Electronic Health Records using CogStack
Published on: May 15, 2020
Molecular detection of Histoplasma capsulatum indoors: A public health approach
Juliana Amorim-Conselheiro1, Lilian Dias Orico1, Maria Adelaide Galvão-Dias1
1Laboratory of Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases, Zoonoses Surveillance Division - Health Surveillance Coordination, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Background:
Histoplasmosis, caused by the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, represents an important public health problem, especially in urban environments where bats and humans cohabit indoors.
Aims:
To detect the presence of H. capsulatum indoors, using samples of bat droppings collected in roost sites inside houses.
Methods:
A Real-Time TaqMan PCR assay targeting the ITS1 region of the ribosomal DNA of H. capsulatum was carried out.
Results:
Fifty-nine sampling points in the municipality of São Paulo were inspected, all of them located at inhabited places. H. capsulatum was isolated from nine samples.
Conclusions:
The rapid identification and monitoring of sites where the fungus is present may contribute to make a more reliable database of H. capsulatum distribution.
Insights
Histoplasmosis, a fungal infection, was detected in indoor bat droppings in São Paulo using PCR. This aids in mapping the distribution of Histoplasma capsulatum, crucial for public health in shared environments.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Histoplasmosis is a significant public health concern, particularly in urban areas where human and bat habitats overlap indoors.
- The causative agent, Histoplasma capsulatum, is a dimorphic fungus.
- Indoor environments with bat presence pose a risk for Histoplasma capsulatum transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement a method for detecting Histoplasma capsulatum in indoor environments.
- To utilize bat droppings as environmental samples for fungal detection.
- To assess the presence of H. capsulatum in domestic roost sites.
Main Methods:
- A Real-Time TaqMan PCR assay was employed for fungal detection.
- The assay targeted the ITS1 region of the ribosomal DNA of Histoplasma capsulatum.
- Samples were collected from bat droppings in roost sites within inhabited houses.
Main Results:
- A total of 59 sampling points were inspected in São Paulo.
- All sampling points were located in inhabited areas.
- Histoplasma capsulatum was successfully isolated from nine of the collected samples.
Conclusions:
- Rapid identification of H. capsulatum presence is feasible.
- Monitoring fungal-positive sites can enhance the accuracy of H. capsulatum distribution databases.
- This approach supports public health strategies for managing histoplasmosis risks in cohabited urban spaces.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Health Literacy
03:07Kinetic Molecular Theory: Molecular Velocities, Temperature, and Kinetic Energy
02:00Molecular Models
03:51Molecular Orbital Theory II
02:54Molecular and Ionic Solids
Molecular Solids
Molecular crystalline solids, such as ice, sucrose (table sugar), and iodine, are solids that are composed of neutral molecules as their constituent units. These molecules are held together by weak intermolecular forces such as London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, or hydrogen bonds, which...
01:30Health Information Technology and Healthcare Information System
Health Information Technology, commonly called HIT, integrates advanced information systems and technology in healthcare settings. Its primary functions include: