Histoplasmosis in Belize, Central America

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology
• Mycology

Background:

• Histoplasmosis outbreaks were reported in Belize.
• The prevalence of histoplasmosis in the region was previously uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct an epidemiologic survey of histoplasmosis in Belize.
• To identify risk factors associated with histoplasmin positivity.

Main Methods:

• An epidemiologic survey was performed on 141 individuals in two groups.
• Histoplasmin skin testing was used to assess exposure.
• Environmental and biological samples (soil, bats) were collected for fungal isolation.

Main Results:

• Forty percent of the surveyed population exhibited a positive histoplasmin reaction.
• A significant association was found between visiting caves and histoplasmin positivity in one group.
• Histoplasma capsulatum was isolated from one bat, but not from soil samples.

Conclusions:

• The study documents the presence of histoplasmosis in Belize.
• Cave exploration is a potential risk factor for exposure.
• Histoplasmosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for compatible clinical presentations in Belize.