biostudies-literatureHernandez-Alomia FUniversidad de las Américase0013410https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12404641biostudies-literatureUnknown19(8)<h4>Background</h4>Histoplasma capsulatum is a globally distributed dimorphic fungal pathogen endemic to the Americas, Africa, and Asia. It causes histoplasmosis, a disease acquired via inhalation of spores from contaminated environments. It thrives in nitrogen-rich soils and is disseminated by avian and chiropteran reservoirs. Histoplasma capsulatum has been found in wild mammals such as rodents, marsupials, felines, and xenarthrans, suggesting diverse reservoirs that may influence its maintenance and transmission in endemic areas. This study aimed to detect H. capsulatum in tissues of wild small mammals sampled across Ecuador.<h4>Methods</h4>Tissue samples (n = 324) were collected from wild mammals across the Coast, Andean, and Amazon regions between 2022 and 2023. Species were identifiePLoS neglected tropical diseasesHistoplasma capsulatum in wild mammals from Ecuador.PMC12404641486.B.XIV.24Reyes-Barriga DCarrion-Olmedo JCSanchez PCamacho MACalvopina MPilatasig ALHernandez-Alomia FJarrin-V PDe Waard JHBastidas-Caldes CBurneo SFVasco-Julio DBrito JRomero-Alvarez DfalseHistoplasma capsulatum in wild mammals from Ecuador.<h4>Background</h4>Histoplasma capsulatum is a globally distributed dimorphic fungal pathogen endemic to the Americas, Africa, and Asia. It causes histoplasmosis, a disease acquired via inhalation of spores from contaminated environments. It thrives in nitrogen-rich soils and is disseminated by avian and chiropteran reservoirs. Histoplasma capsulatum has been found in wild mammals such as rodents, marsupials, felines, and xenarthrans, suggesting diverse reservoirs that may influence its maintenance and transmission in endemic areas. This study aimed to detect H. capsulatum in tissues of wild small mammals sampled across Ecuador.<h4>Methods</h4>Tissue samples (n = 324) were collected from wild mammals across the Coast, Andean, and Amazon regions between 2022 and 2023. Species were identifie2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Aug2026-05-29T16:57:51.602Z2026-04-08T05:29:02.42ZS-EPMC124046414085399110.1371/journal.pntd.0013410