Treatment & Outcomes of Histoplasmosis

The mild pulmonary (lung) form of histoplasmosis will generally resolve within about a month without treatment.

Prescription antifungal medications are needed to treat severe cases of acute histoplasmosis, and all cases of chronic or disseminated disease.  Itraconazole is one commonly used antifungal medication.  Treatment may continue for 3 to 12 months, depending on the severity of the disease and the immune status of the person.  Past infection can provide partial protection against severe disease if a person becomes re-infected later in life.

For healthcare providers: the most up-to-date treatment and practice guidelines from the Infectious Disease Society of America can be found at the Infectious Diseases Society of America web site.