New 2030 Global Targets for Histoplasmosis from International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM) 2025 Histoplasmosis Working Group

TL;DR

Experts propose global targets to combat histoplasmosis, a deadly fungal disease, by improving diagnosis and treatment access by 2030.

Contribution

The paper introduces a new global 90–90–90 target for histoplasmosis by 2030 to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and survival rates.

Findings

Histoplasmosis is underdiagnosed and excluded from national surveillance systems, leading to high mortality.

Experts identified diagnostic delays and poor access to antifungal drugs as major challenges.

Innovative tools like lateral flow assays and biobanks are proposed to improve detection and research.

Abstract

Histoplasmosis remains a neglected yet deadly fungal infection, disproportionately affecting persons living with HIV/AIDS and other immunocompromised populations in endemic regions. Despite the World Health Organization’s designation of Histoplasma as a high-priority pathogen, the disease remains underdiagnosed and excluded from national surveillance systems, resulting in delayed treatment and high death rates. To coordinate a global response, the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology convened a Histoplasmosis Working Group during its 2025 congress in Brazil. Experts engaged in structured discussions across 5 domains: awareness, research, diagnostics and treatment, capacity building, and fungal biology. The group highlighted persistent diagnostic delays, underuse of antigen testing, and poor access to liposomal amphotericin B and itraconazole. Innovations such as lateral flow assays and molecular tools were discussed, alongside the need for biobanks and validated diagnostic algorithms. A global 90–90–90 target for histoplasmosis by 2030 was proposed to improve diagnosis, treatment, and survival.

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