The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Blastomycosis

Endemic systemic mycosis affecting lung, skin and bone

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Internal Medicine department. Book Appointment →

What is Blastomycosis?

Blastomycosis is a systemic fungal infection caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis and is endemic in the Great Lakes region, the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys of North America. Transmission occurs through inhalation of spores from soil and decaying vegetation.

The lung is the primary organ affected, producing acute or chronic pneumonia. Disseminated disease may involve the skin (verrucous plaques and ulcers), bone, the genitourinary tract and the central nervous system.

Diagnosis relies on culture, histopathology and antigen testing. Mild-to-moderate disease is treated with itraconazole, while severe and disseminated disease is initiated with liposomal amphotericin B.

Symptoms

Chronic cough and sputum production
Chest pain and dyspnoea
Fever and night sweats
Weight loss
Verrucous plaques and skin ulcers
Bone pain and swelling
Headache and neck stiffness with CNS involvement

Risk Factors

Residence in endemic regions
Forest, lakeshore and farm work
Hunting and camping
Soil and construction work
Immunosuppression
Diabetes mellitus

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Chronic cough and fever after exposure in an endemic area
  • Verrucous, ulcerated skin lesions
  • Unexplained bone pain and swelling
  • Radiological findings unresponsive to anti-tuberculosis therapy
  • Onset of neurological symptoms

Treatment Methods

01
Itraconazole for 6-12 months in mild-to-moderate disease
02
Liposomal amphotericin B in severe pulmonary or disseminated disease
03
Long-course fluconazole or amphotericin B for CNS involvement
04
Surgical drainage in selected cases
05
Long-term clinical follow-up
06
Review of any immunosuppressive therapy

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Flu (Influenza)

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Influenza is a seasonal contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses; it presents with high fever, muscle pain, and severe fatigue.

COVID-19

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

COVID-19 is a contagious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus with a wide clinical spectrum ranging from asymptomatic to severe pneumonia.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Upper respiratory tract infections are diseases that include common cold, pharyngitis, sinusitis, and laryngitis, often of viral origin and self-limited.

Urinary Tract Infection

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Urinary tract infections are common bacterial infections most often caused by Escherichia coli, presenting with burning and frequent urination.

Hepatitis A (HAV)

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Hepatitis A is an acute, self-limited liver infection transmitted via the fecal-oral route causing acute hepatitis without chronicity; supportive care suffices in most cases, while vaccination prevents outbreaks and post-exposure prophylaxis within 2 weeks is effective.

Hepatitis B

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Hepatitis B is a contagious infection caused by HBV virus transmitted via blood, sexual intercourse, and mother-to-child, that can become chronic and progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Hepatitis C

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by HCV virus transmitted mainly by blood; the rate of chronicity is high, but cure is possible with new antiviral drugs.

HIV/AIDS Information

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

HIV is a virus that targets the immune system; if untreated, it progresses to AIDS. With modern antiretroviral therapy, HIV-positive individuals can lead healthy, long lives.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.