Molecular detection of Histoplasma capsulatum indoors: Apublic health approach

Author(s)

Amorim-Conselheiro, Juliana ; Orico, Lilian Dias ; Galvao-Dias, Maria Adelaide ; Grigorio, Iraci Martins ; Montenegro Neto, Hildebrando ; Da Rosa, Adriana Ruckert ; Oliveira, Debora Cardoso ; Taborda, Carlos Pelleschi ; Reis-Menezes, Adriana Araujo

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: REVISTA IBEROAMERICANA DE MICOLOGIA; v. 36, n. 2, p. 4-pg., 2019-04-30.

Abstract

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 Sao 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. Copyright (C) 2019 Asociacion Espanola de Micologia. Publicado por Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/06571-2 - Study of the prevalence of Histoplasma capsulatum e Sporothrix spp from environmental samples in the urban area of São Paulo
• Grantee: Adriana Araujo Reis Menezes
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants