Blastomycosis, also known as South American blastomycosis, is an infectious disease caused by inhalation of spore from the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis, which can affect the lungs or spread into the bloodstream, resulting in the disseminated or extrapulmonary form of the disease.
Blastomycosis transmission is caused by inhaling fungal spores that disperse into the air, which, when entering the airways, take refuge in the lungs, where they develop and cause inflammation. Blastomyces dermatitidis is considered an opportunistic fungus, and there may be an infection in both people with diseases that compromise the immune system and in healthy people, provided that they have a decrease of the immune system by some factor, such as stress or cold, for example. Example.
- Pulmonary blastomycosis.
- Which is the most common form of blastomycosis.
- Is curable as long as treatment is initiated as soon as possible; otherwise.
- The fungus can easily multiply and reach other organs.
- Such as the skin.
- Bones and nervous system.
- Causing death.
Symptoms of blastomycosis are related to the location of the fungus. The most common form of blastomycosis is pulmonary, in which the fungus lodges in the lungs, which can cause the following symptoms:
If the person’s immune system is very weak, the fungus can multiply and easily reach the bloodstream, reach other organs and cause other symptoms, such as:
If the person notices any of the signs and symptoms of blastomycosis, it is important to see the family doctor or infectious disease so that the diagnosis can be made and treatment can be initiated. The diagnosis of blastomycosis is made by your doctor based on the evaluation of symptoms, the result of chest x-rays and laboratory tests, in which the fungal structures should be observed under the microscope to confirm the infection.
Treatment of blastomycosis is based on the person’s overall health and the severity of the disease. As a general rule, patients who are not considered severe are treated with itraconazole orally. However, people whose disease is at a more advanced stage or have a contraindication for the use of itraconazole, the doctor may recommend the use of amphoterin B.
The prevention of blastomycosis is not always possible, as fungal spores circulate easily in the air. Areas near rivers, lakes and swamps are areas where this type of fungus frequently exists.