Which statement best describes mild histoplasmosis?

• A. All cases require hospitalization.
• B. Only treat with antibiotics.
• C. Vaccination cures histoplasmosis.
• D. Mild cases often resolve without treatment.

Answer: (D)

Mild histoplasmosis typically follows a self-limited course in people with normal immune systems. Many infections are asymptomatic or cause only a brief, flu-like illness that resolves on its own over days to weeks without the need for targeted treatment. Because Histoplasma capsulatum is a fungal pathogen, antibiotics (which target bacteria) aren’t the correct therapy for this infection. There is no cure-all vaccine for histoplasmosis, so relying on vaccination to treat or cure it isn’t accurate. Hospitalization is usually unnecessary unless the disease is more severe, disseminated, or the patient has significant immune compromise. So the statement that mild cases often resolve without treatment best captures the typical, uncomplicated course of mild histoplasmosis.