Bat and Soil Studies for Sources of Histoplasmosis in Florida

• DOI: 10.2307/4594044
• Publication Date: 2010-11-09T10:49:17Z
• Authors: Arthur F. Disalvo; William J. Bigler; Libero Ajello; Joseph E. Johnson...; Joseph Palmer
• Keywords: Histoplasma; Soil microbiology

a college student contracted histoplasmosis after exploring cave on biology field trip in the vicinity of Gainesville, Fla. (1).The cave, which infection apparently occurred, was inhabited by bats and con- tained abundant amounts guano.Since au- tochthonous is rare Florida, this case inspired search for source victim's infection.The investigation subse- quently expanded, guano-enriched soil that had been collected from all bat caves known to us State Florida were ana- lyzed systematically presence Histo- plasna capsulatum.The results form basis report. Materials MethodsThe initial studies made at suspected point-source human infection, sinkhole as Savior Cave, 10 miles west Gainesville Alachua County.This small colony southeastern myotis bats, Myotu austroriparius, floor covered with large dried guano.Twenty 34 samples col- lected site.Approximately 100 yards Cave another called Grant's Cave.At its base 40 feet wide long, but it extends farther underground over water.At proper season, harbors maternity several thousand M. austroriPa7ziis (fig.1).On January 19, 1968, when site visited, no 23 (fig. 2).The contained guano consistency moist sandy loam.About 8 northwest these caves, Newberry, County, are three where total 98 Pipi-strelluZs subflavus (eastern pipistrelle) four austroriparius collected; also 46 speci- mens soil: 25 Jones 9 Newberry Bat 12 Seven Sisters Cave.Other colonies austroi7par7iu8 P. near Floral City Citrus Marianna Jack- son Ocala Marion County.The picked up hand or caught mist nets.A 45 caves: No Name 15 In-