Histoplasmosis is a fungal disease caused by inhaling spores of Histoplasma capsulatum, a fungus found in soil, particularly that contaminated with droppings from poultry, wild birds, and bats. Histoplasmosis may cause acute respiratory infection, a rapidly disseminated form, or a chronic type with fever, debility, and specific organ involvement (especially of the lungs and resembling tuberculosis. Specific antifungal antibiotics are needed for the disseminated disease.