What is the recommended treatment for Histoplasma capsulatum infection?

The recommended treatment for a Histoplasma capsulatum infection is itraconazole. This antifungal medication is particularly effective for mild to moderate forms of histoplasmosis and is often prescribed as a first-line treatment due to its favorable safety profile and effectiveness in suppressing the growth of the fungus.

Itraconazole works by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, an essential component of the fungal cell membrane, thereby disrupting cell function and leading to cell death. This makes it particularly suitable for treating infections caused by slower-growing fungi like Histoplasma capsulatum.

For more severe cases or in patients who are immunocompromised, Amphotericin B might be used as an initial treatment due to its broad-spectrum antifungal activity. However, itraconazole remains the preferred long-term treatment strategy once the acute phase is managed.

The other options, such as fluconazole and valacyclovir, are not effective against Histoplasma capsulatum. Fluconazole has a narrower antifungal spectrum primarily effective against certain yeasts and is not recommended for serious systemic infections like histoplasmosis. Valacyclovir, an antiviral medication, is used for herpes virus infections and would not be appropriate for treating fungal infections.