With ample experience in antifungal drug research and discovery, Creative Biolabs provides the world-leading services of anti-H. capsulatum drug discovery for global customers based on our professional expert team and advanced technology platforms. Our service portfolio includes target identification and validation, Hit identification, Hit to lead, Lead optimization, and IND enabling.
What is Chronic Cavitary Histoplasmosis?
Chronic cavitary pulmonary histoplasmosis is one of the rarest clinical presentations of histoplasmosis. It is a progressive pulmonary infection caused by the thermally dimorphic fungus, H. capsulatum. The disease mainly affects the upper lobes of the lungs and can manifest as cavitation and fibrosis. The organism is able to produce apical cavitary disease, progressive fibrosis, and finally irreversible injury to the lungs. The symptoms are similar to chronic pulmonary aspergillosis with a cough, increasing shortness of breath, weight loss, night sweats, and sometimes fever. The mortality rate of the chronic cavitary pulmonary histoplasmosis is greater than 30%. If left untreated, chronic cavitary pulmonary histoplasmosis is accompanied by progressive respiratory failure due to lung volume loss, and the five-year survival rate can be as low as 50%.
Diagnosis of Chronic Cavitary Histoplasmosis
In 60-85% of the cases, diagnosis of chronic cavitary pulmonary histoplasmosis can be established through the isolation of the fungus from sputum or from samples obtained through bronchoscopy. And these samples can be stained using the Grocott-Gomori methenamine-silver stain technique. Sputum or bronchoscopy culture is usually used to diagnose H. capsulatum in chronic cavitary pulmonary histoplasmosis, but the result might not be known for 2-4 weeks. Besides, radiology also provides a promising approach for the diagnosis of chronic cavitary pulmonary histoplasmosis. Histoplasma antibody is usually detectable but biopsy, if possible, provides definitive evidence of disease.
Fig.1 HRCT scan revealing paraseptal emphysema, cavities and destruction of the adjacent parenchyma, predominantly in the upper lobes of the lungs. (Santos, 2009)
Treatment of Chronic Cavitary Histoplasmosis
Antibiotics are a common treatment option. Severe cases require hospitalization, and amphotericin B can be used. Therapeutic drug monitoring is recommended. However, recurrence of chronic cavitary pulmonary histoplasmosis may occur in 9-15% of cases regardless of the antifungal drug used. Therefore, attention needs to be paid to the possible recurrence of the disease.
Antifungal Drug Development at Creative Biolabs
Creative Biolabs has long-term expertise and research experience in the field of antifungal drugs discovery. Over the past decades, we have served hundreds of customers with their requirement in the development of antifungal drugs. Our top-quality and omnidirectional services can help global clients make their research and project a success. Please contact us for more details or a detailed quote.
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