Around 3 weeks after razing an old chicken house, a 71-year-old retired farmer has developed a fever, nausea, and vomiting. After ruling out more common health problems, his care provider eventually made a diagnosis of histoplasmosis. Which of the following processes is most likely taking place?
A) Toxin production by Histoplasma capsulatum is triggering an immune response.
B) Antibody production against the offending fungi is delayed by the patient's age and the virulence of the organism.
C) Spore inhalation initiates an autoimmune response that produces the associated symptoms.
D) Macrophages are able to remove the offending fungi from the bloodstream but can't destroy them.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Disseminated histoplasmosis results from the inability of macrophages of the reticuloendothelial system to destroy the fungi. Fungi do not produce toxins, and antibody production and autoimmune responses are not involved in the pathophysiology of this fungal infection.

Around 3 Weeks After Razing an Old Chicken House, a 71-Year-Old