A recreational cave explorer develops a productive cough and fever.A sputum culture is sent to the laboratory for bacterial, fungal, and mycobacterial cultures.A white mold colony develops on Sabouraud's agar after 5 days at 22° C.Identify the organism shown below.

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Histoplasmosis is acquired by the inhalation of the microconidia of Histoplasma capsulatum var.capsulatum.Histoplasmosis is also known as reticuloendothelial cytomycosis, cave disease, spelunker's disease, and Darling's disease.H.capsulatum grows as a white to brownish mold.Early growth of the mycelial culture produces round to pyriform microconidia measuring 2 to 5 mm.As the colony matures, large echinulate or tuberculate macroconidia, a characteristic of the species, are formed.CDC PHIL #10958

A Recreational Cave Explorer Develops a Productive Cough and Fever