Blastomycosis Disease

Blastomycosis disease, also known as North American blastomycosis or Gilchrist's disease, occurs primarily in the Southeastern states and the Mississippi River valley, in areas where the fungus is endemic.

Cause

• Blastomyces dermatitidis causes Blastomycosis disease. Inhaling the spores of this fungus causes the infection. The lungs are the primary location of the infection. The disease may spread throughout the body.

Symptoms

• The disease starts with a fever, chills and excessive perspiration. As the infection spreads, it may become difficult to breathe and a heavy cough can develop.

Diagnosis

• Symptoms, particularly if the disease spreads to the skin, may suggest the disease, but a positive diagnosis comes from a laboratory analysis of sputum or other infected tissue.

Treatment

• According to a report in Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Amphotericin B treats extreme cases. Itraconazole is the primary treatment for less-extensive infections, with Fluconazole, Voriconazole and Posaconazole as possible alternatives.

Prognosis

• With treatment, a high percentage of patients recover rapidly. Without treatment, blastomycosis infection will get worse and can cause death.