Airborne Blastomyces spores are inhaled into the lungs.
These pass into the alveoli.
Once inside the lung, the fungus spreads rapidly.
Spores may remain localised or spread via the circulation
to other organs.
Mild Disease
Often starts as a mild respiratory infection which may clear spontaneously.
Pneumonia-like symptoms may develop.
Nodules may develop in the lymphatics which may heal.
Disseminated Disease
Lung infection
Dissemination to skin is common - abscesses/ulcers.
Thick, crusty and warty growths on the skin are common
Spread to bones, genitourinary tract, organs of the body, and CNS in the most serious cases.
Coughing, weight loss, bone pain are symptoms.
Image copyright (c) www.doctorfungus.org and used by permission
Image kindly supplied by Tom Volk, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
TomVolks Fungi
TRANSMISSION
Canine blastomycosis very common, but no record of animal-human
transmission.
Individuals exposed to forest areas along lakes and rivers for work or recreation.
E.g. farmers, forestry workers, hunters, campers.
Those with lung infection, diabetes, immunosuppressed
are prone to infection.
Mainly US, along Ohio and Mississippi river basins.
Common in men who engage in recreational activities along basins.
Culture organism from pus in lesions, blood, urine and sputum.
Demonstration of the thick walled yeast cells.
Surgery for drainage of large abscesses.
Image copyright (c) www.doctorfungus.org and used by permission
TREATMENT AND PREVENTION
Antifungal agents- itraconazole, ketoconazole for 6 months
Amphotericin B for severe cases
Response to treatment is usually good,
No preventative or control measures.
Back to Systemic Mycoses
Main Mycoses Menu