Acute pulmonary histoplasmosis related to occupational roofing: A case report of two brothers

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Histoplasma capsulatum is the cause of a prevalent fungal disease in certain regions in the United States of America, like Ohio and the Mississippi River. Its clinical manifestations range from asymptomatic to life-threatening diseases, according to the immune system. A definitive diagnosis is made by biopsy. CASE REPORT: Two middle-aged brothers presented with a nine-day history of severe progressive dyspnea. Both were living in Cincinnati, Ohio, and encountered bird droppings 7 days prior to symptoms while working on a roofing project. It should be mentioned that they were not wearing masks. After extensive testing, they were diagnosed with acute pulmonary histoplasmosis. Both were successfully treated with azole-derivative fungal therapy. CONCLUSION: This is the first case of histoplasmosis acquired through occupational exposure related to roofing and is unique given the two patients were siblings.