Blastomycosis is an infection caused by inhaling spores of the fungus Blastomyces, which lives in moist soil and decaying organic matter.
Breathing in spores of the fungus Blastomyces causes blastomycosis. The fungus is found mostly in the central and southeastern United States, mostly near rivers and lakes, as well as Canada, Africa, and other countries. It grows in moist soil and decaying wood, leaves, and plants. Farmers, landscapers, construction workers, hunters, and campers are at greater risk of contracting the fungus when they work or play in these environments. Even if you have never visited these areas, you can get blastomycosis.
Generally, people who inhale the fungal spores do not develop any symptoms. However, some people may develop flu-like symptoms within 3 weeks to 3 months of exposure.
Fever
Cough
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Night sweats
Weight loss
Fatigue
Muscle and joint aches
In some cases, the infection may spread from the lungs to other parts of the body, such as the skin, bones, joints, brain, or eyes. This can cause more serious complications, such as:
Skin lesions, such as ulcers, blisters, or nodules
Bone or joint pain, swelling, or deformity
Meningitis, or inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord
Eye problems, such as blurred vision, pain, or inflammation
Enlarged spleen or liver
The symptoms of blastomycosis may be similar to those of other respiratory infections such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, or histoplasmosis. To confirm the diagnosis, a doctor may order the following tests:
Chest X-ray or CT scan to look for abnormalities in the lungs
Sputum culture or bronchoscopy to collect a sample of mucus or tissue from the lungs and test it for the fungus
Biopsy or aspiration to obtain a sample of tissue or fluid from the affected organ and examine it under a microscope or culture it for the fungus
Blood tests or urine tests to detect antibodies or antigens to the fungus
Depending on the severity and extent of blastomycosis, the doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal medication for 6 to 12 months, such as itraconazole, for mild to moderate cases that are limited to the lungs. A doctor may prescribe an intravenous antifungal medication, like amphotericin B, for several weeks and then an oral antifungal medication for several months for severe or disseminated cases that involve other organs. Patients with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, cancer, or organ transplants, may require longer treatment.
There is no vaccine or specific way to prevent blastomycosis. However, some general measures that may reduce the risk of exposure to the fungus include:
Avoiding activities that disturb the soil or organic matter where the fungus may grow, such as digging, clearing, or excavating
Wearing protective clothing, gloves, and masks when working or playing in these environments
Keeping the skin clean and dry and covering any cuts or wounds
Seeking medical attention promptly if any symptoms of blastomycosis develop
As a result of inhaling spores of the fungus Blastomyces, which lives in moist soils and decaying organic matter, blastomycosis affects the lungs and sometimes other parts of the body. As well as fever, cough, chest pain, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, skin lesions, bone or joint problems, meningitis, or eye problems, symptoms may range from mild to severe. The diagnosis is based on chest X-ray or CT scan, sputum culture or bronchoscopy, biopsy or aspiration, and blood or urine tests. Antifungal medications, either oral or intravenous, are prescribed for several months to treat the fungus. By avoiding exposure to the fungus, as well as wearing protective clothing and masks when in contact with soil or organic matter, prevention can be achieved.
