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Considerations about the Geographic Distribution of Histoplasma Species

Maria Lucia Taylor1, María Del Rocío Reyes-Montes1, Daniel A Estrada-Bárcenas2

  • 1Unidad de Micología, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|March 9, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Histoplasmosis, a fungal infection, is spreading globally due to climate change and human activity. New research identifies at least 14 species of Histoplasma, impacting diverse hosts worldwide.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Fungal Taxonomy

Background:

  • Histoplasmosis is a significant fungal infection primarily affecting the lungs but capable of systemic progression.
  • The infection impacts both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed hosts across diverse mammalian species.
  • Histoplasmosis is globally distributed, acquired through inhalation of Histoplasma capsulatum spores.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the global distribution and phylogenetic diversity of the fungus Histoplasma.
  • To explore the potential impact of climate change and human adaptations on Histoplasma's geographic spread.
  • To update the understanding of Histoplasma taxonomy based on new genetic data.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of updated genetic data to delineate fungal species.
  • Review of clinical case reports and epidemiological data.
  • Phylogenetic analysis to understand geographic radiation and speciation.

Main Results:

  • Histoplasma has been isolated from numerous continents, indicating a worldwide presence.
  • The study suggests at least 14 distinct phylogenetic species of Histoplasma exist globally.
  • Geographic radiation of Histoplasma likely initiated in South America millions of years ago.

Conclusions:

  • Climate change and human activities may facilitate the expansion of Histoplasma into new regions.
  • Bats and birds play a crucial role in the dispersal of Histoplasma.
  • Ongoing genetic research is refining the taxonomy and understanding the evolutionary history of this complex fungal group.
Keywords:
Histoplasma capsulatumHistoplasma spp.batsclimate changesspreadingworldwide distribution

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