How common is blastomycosis in humans?

How common is blastomycosis? Overall, blastomycosis is uncommon. Most cases occur in the United States and Canada. In states where blastomycosis is reportable, yearly incidence rates are approximately 1 to 2 cases per 100,000 population.

Is blastomycosis common?

Blastomycosis is an uncommon, but potentially serious fungal infection. It primarily affects the lungs, and is caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis. The signs and symptoms of illness that can result from exposure to this soil organism are variable. Approximately 50% of people who are infected with B.

What is the mortality rate of blastomycosis?

Published case fatality in blastomycosis patients ranges between 4% and 78%.

Where is blastomycosis most common?

These fungi can be found in moist soils, particularly in wooded areas and along waterways. Blastomycosis occurs most often in people living in Ontario, Manitoba, and the south-central, south-eastern, and the mid-western United States.

What does blastomycosis do to your body?

When Blastomycosis affects the lungs, which are common sites of fungal involvement, it usually takes the form of chronic pneumonia. Symptoms may include a cough ccompanied by thick sputum, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and/or rapid heartbeat.

Dimorphic Fungi: Blastomycosis [Hot Topic]

In what part of the United States is blastomycosis endemic?

In the United States, the fungus mainly lives in the midwestern, south-central, and southeastern states, particularly in areas surrounding the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys, the Great Lakes, and the Saint Lawrence River.

Can blastomycosis be in my house?

The organism has been isolated from an inhabited yard and from a house being razed. Conclusions: There appears to be growing evidence that blastomycosis may be acquired at home, and that B. dermatitidis may be relatively persistent on certain properties.

Can blastomycosis lay dormant?

A person gets sick from blastomycosis by breathing in microscopic spores of a fungus called blastomyces. The spores lodge in the lungs, where they can react in a variety of ways. The spores can lay dormant for months. Sometimes the body's immune system kills them.

What does blastomycosis look like on skin?

Papules, pustules, or nodules are most frequently found on exposed body areas. They may look like warts or ulcers. They are usually painless. They may vary from gray to violet in color.

Can blastomycosis be fatal?

Blastomycosis is a potentially fatal fungal infection endemic to parts of North America.

Is blastomycosis curable?

Blastomycosis should be treated by medical caregivers, not by self-care at home. Medical treatment is done with long-term (six to 12 months) antifungal drugs. Blastomycosis follow-up is very important to obtain the proper treatment and to check for reinfection by the fungus.

How can blastomycosis be prevented?

There is no vaccine to prevent blastomycosis, and it may not be possible to completely avoid being exposed to the fungus that causes blastomycosis in areas where it is common in the environment. People who have weakened immune systems may want to consider avoiding activities that involve disrupting soil in these areas.

What are the symptoms of blastomycosis in humans?

How do they test for blastomycosis in humans?

Diagnosis and testing for Blastomycosis

A doctor will likely test for blastomycosis by taking a blood sample or a urine sample and sending it to a laboratory. Healthcare providers may do imaging tests such as chest x-rays or CT scans of your lungs.

How serious is a fungal infection in the lungs?

Fungal infections in the lungs can be more serious and often cause symptoms that are similar to other illnesses, such as bacterial pneumonia or tuberculosis. Finding the correct diagnosis can be difficult and cause delays in getting the right treatment.

Can you get blastomycosis twice?

Relapse or recurrence of blastomycosis in patients is rare. Re-infection of a patient with blastomycosis has not been previously reported.

What is disseminated blastomycosis?

Blastomycosis is a pulmonary disease caused by inhaling spores of the dimorphic fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis. Occasionally, the fungi spread hematogenously, causing extrapulmonary disease. Symptoms result from pneumonia or from dissemination to multiple organs, most commonly the skin.

How do you get rid of fungus in your lungs?

Antifungal drugs: These medications are generally used to treat invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Voriconazole is currently the drug of choice because it causes fewer side effects and appears to be more effective than other medications. Amphotericin B or itraconazole are also effective in treating infection.

Can I get blastomycosis from my dog?

Blastomycosis fungal infection in dogs is common. Humans can also become infected in the same manner as dogs. Disease is not spread from animal to animal and is not contagious.

Where is blastomycosis found in Canada?

Blastomycosis is an infection resulting from inhalation of Blastomyces fungal spores found in moist soil and decaying organic matter. In Canada, exposure can occur in the provinces bordering the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.

What is the treatment for blastomycosis?

Most people will need antifungal treatment for blastomycosis. Most people with blastomycosis will need treatment with prescription antifungal medication. Itraconazole is a type of antifungal medication that is typically used to treat mild to moderate blastomycosis.

What disease does blastocystis cause?

Blastocystis is a microscopic parasite that can live in your digestive tract. Researchers don't fully understand the role blastocystis plays, if any, in causing disease. Some people experiencing diarrhea, abdominal pain or other gastrointestinal problems have blastocystis organisms in their stool.

What is the incubation period for blastomycosis?

Blastomycosis is diagnosed slightly more often in the fall and early winter. This is likely due to exposure to the soil-borne fungus in the summer, and an incubation period of 1-3 months.

Can blastomycosis be caused by mold?

Blastomyces lives in the environment as a mold that produces fungal spores. The spores are too small to see without a microscope. When people or animals breathe in the spores, they are at risk for developing blastomycosis. After the spores enter the lungs, the body temperature allows the spores to transform into yeast.

What animals might carry blastomycosis?