Ocorrência de histoplasma capsulatum em ambientes subterrâneos, uma revisão na literatura

Abstract

Microrganisms occupy all niches of the biosphere, including the subterranean habitats. The caves are distinct environments characterized by environmental stability. These bodies are part of the biodiversity of the cave and play an important ecological role, and may be used as food, control the population of animals and be involved in the cycling of nutrients. Fungi are critical components of ecosystems, functioning as decomposers, mutualists and pathogens. Occur on various substrates in caves, such as sediments, vermiculações, bat droppings or guano, decaying organic material, speleothems, air, water etc. Histoplasma capsulatum is a dimorphic and is the Etiologic Agent of histoplasmosis, a potentially fatal disease of mammals acquired by inhalation of conidia. It is widely distributed in the American continent and is characterized by the presence of acute pulmonary infection, in addition to the chronic lung infection form. H. capsulatum in addition to being an important component of the ecological cycle of cavernícolas environments is also a pathogen of wide occurrence in the world and affects mainly cavers. The study on the diversity and abundance of pathogens in caves it is important to set preventive measures for exposed populations and populations at risk.