How is blastomycosis transmitted?
Transmission. Blastomycosis is usually caused by inhaling airborne spores from contaminated soil into the lungs. Spores are more likely to be airborne after contaminated soil is disturbed by activities such as excavation, construction, digging, or wood clearing.
Can blastomycosis be in your home?
Conclusions: There appears to be growing evidence that blastomycosis may be acquired at home, and that B. dermatitidis may be relatively persistent on certain properties.
How long does blastomycosis last?
Treatment of blastomycosis requires long-term antifungal medications (i.e. average 2-6 months of therapy). Itraconazole or fluconazole are most commonly used.
Is blastomycosis fatal?
Blastomycosis is a potentially fatal fungal infection endemic to parts of North America.
How common is blastomycosis in humans?
How common is blastomycosis? Overall, blastomycosis is uncommon. Most cases occur in the United States and Canada. In states where blastomycosis is reportable, yearly incidence rates are approximately 1 to 2 cases per 100,000 population.
What part of the body does blastomycosis affect?
Blastomycosis is an uncommon, but potentially serious fungal infection. It primarily affects the lungs, and is caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis.
Can blastomycosis be caused by mold?
Blastomycosis is a rare infectious disease caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis. This fungus grows and is inhaled through mold spores. In the body the fungus converts to yeasts and invades the lungs.
What does blastomycosis look like on skin?
They may look like warts or ulcers. They are usually painless. They may vary from gray to violet in color.
Is blastomycosis a mold?
Blastomyces lives in the environment as a mold that produces fungal spores. The spores are too small to see without a microscope. When people or animals breathe in the spores, they are at risk for developing blastomycosis.
What organs does blastomycosis affect?
Blastomycosis is an uncommon, but potentially serious fungal infection. It primarily affects the lungs, and is caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis. The signs and symptoms of illness that can result from exposure to this soil organism are variable.
What parts of the body does blastomycosis affect?
Blastomyces enters the body through the lungs and causes a lung infection, usually pneumonia. From the lungs, the fungus can spread to other areas of the body including your skin, bones, joints and central nervous system. This disease is rare and more commonly affects people involved with outdoor activities.
How do you know if you have blastomycosis?
Symptoms can include cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, joint pain, and chest pain. The infection can spread to other parts of the body, such as the skin or bones. Blasto is not spread from person to person. People who smoke, have lung disease, or have weakened immune systems are more likely to become sick.