AI Article Synopsis
- Blastomycosis is an infection caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis, which is inhaled from the environment when its spores (conidia) are dispersed.
- The infection often manifests as pneumonia, but it can spread to other parts of the body like skin and bones.
- Diagnosis involves culturing the fungus, observing its unique yeast form in tissue, and testing urine and serum for specific antigens; treatment varies by severity, with mild cases treated using itraconazole and severe cases starting with amphotericin B followed by itraconazole.
Article Abstract
Blastomycosis is caused primarily by Blastomyces dermatitidis. The fungus is a mold in the environment, causing infection when conidia are dispersed and inhaled. In the lungs, the organism transforms into the yeast phase. Pneumonia is most common, but dissemination to skin, bones, and other organs also occurs. Diagnosis is established by growth in culture, identifying large thick-walled yeast with a single broad-based bud in tissue, and testing for cell wall antigens in urine and serum. Antifungal treatment and duration depend on severity. Mild-to-moderate disease is treated with itraconazole; severe blastomycosis is initially treated with amphotericin B, followed by itraconazole.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.idc.2024.11.010 | DOI Listing |
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