Blastomycosis

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Presentation :

Pathophysiology :

• Caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis; a dimorphic, round, budding yeast
• Infection occurs by inhalation of conidia and manifests initially as a primary pulmonary infection (acute or chronic pneumonia). Rarely, dissemination occurs and produces extrapulmonary disease (osteomyelitis or skin infection).

Diagnostic Testing:

• Diagnosis can be made by direct fungal stain of clinical specimens (sputum, tissue, or purulent material) and confirmed by culture or serology for Blastomyces antibodies.
• Urinary antigen testing is also available.

Treatment :

• The preferred treatment for mild to moderate infection is itraconazole.
• Liposomal amphotericin B is recommended for CNS, severe pulmonary, and disseminated infections.

Prognosis:

References: