Harvey is admitted to the ER in a weakened state with persistent fever and weight loss. He is HIV-positive and lived in Panama until recently. Blood work demonstrates reduced WBC, RBC and platelet counts. Bone marrow aspiration reveals decreased WBCs and an ascomycete yeast. The yeast produces numerous macroconidia when cultured on PDA. 1. Name the etiologic agent causing Harvey's problem. 2. Name is the usual reservoir for this microbe and explain how is it transmitted.

Answer: and they are usually present in soils and are transmitted in dust

Explanation:

Macroconidia is a way of asexual reproduction in ascomycetes yeast. Ascomycetes yeast are generally not harmful, a lot people inhale them from the air daily. However, for people with compromised immune systems such as HIV positive individuals or people undergoing chemotherapy whose immune responses are suppressed, ascomycetes yeast could cause certain diseases.

One of such ascomycetes yeast which may cause diseases in immunosuppressed individuals is Histoplasma capsulatum and it causes histoplasmosis.

Histoplasma capsulatum conidia are found in soils rich in organic content needed for mycelia growth.

Histoplasma capsulatum can be found in temperate climates throughout the world, it is endemic in river valleys in the United States.