Histoplasma capsulatum

No this is not the correct answer. This organism does cause a chronic pneumonia. However, this dimorphic fungus (yeast cell at 37 degrees C and mycelial phase at room temperature) would result in yeast cells being in the sputum specimen. This fungus is also endemic in the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys. Helen has no travel history indicating travel to those areas of the country. Try again.

Do you need to go back and look at Helen again?
CHIEF COMPLAINT
HISTORY
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LABORATORY TESTS