Philippine E-Journals

Sero-Positivity for Histoplasma Capsulatum Among the Nearby Residents and Workers of Bat Caves

Marx P. Catalan | Anna Dominique M Margas | Aprilyn F Francisco

 

Abstract:

This study determined the seropositive rate of nearby residents and workers of bat caves for Histoplasma capsulatum, a dimorphic fungus that causes severe to fatal opportunistic infections among immunocompromised individuals. One hundred sixteen (116) respondents who were residents and workers in the area for not less than 6 months and within 100-200 meter radius from the bat caves were collected with blood samples for the serologic testing for specific anti-H. capsulatum antibodies using Histoplasma Dxselect ELI700 Enzyme Linked Immunoassay. Overall result showed that 26 (22.4%) were positive for antibodies. Statistical analysis of the data showed that the length of occupational exposure is significantly associated (p-value <0.005) with seropositivity and the length of environmental exposure is not significantly associated (p-value>0.005) with seropositivity. With these, the researchers concluded that Histoplasma capsulatum is present in the environment. However, since antibodies against the fungus were detected, the result does not indicate the presence of active and symptomatic infection among the respondents.