Blastomycosis is a rare infection, with an annual incidence of $\le$2 cases per 100,000 people in the U.S., though this rises to 10–40 per 100,000 in high-risk areas like northern Wisconsin. It is caused by inhaling Blastomyces spores in moist soil/wood, with infections more common in males (71%) and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Is blastomycosis considered a rare disease?

Blastomycosis is a rare but potentially fatal fungal disease caused by Blastomyces spp., a group of thermally dimorphic environmental mycoses found in moist soil and decaying organic matter.

How to prevent getting blastomycosis?

In areas where Blastomyces is common in the air, it may not be possible to avoid exposure. People who have weakened immune systems should consider avoiding activities that involve disrupting soil. Some ways to help reduce risk include: Stay inside in windy, dusty conditions.

How do you catch blastomycosis?

You can get blastomycosis by contact with moist soil, most commonly where there is rotting wood and leaves. The fungus enters the body through the lungs, where the infection starts. The fungus can then spread to other parts of the body. The disease may affect the skin, bones and joints, and other areas.

Where in the US is blastomycosis most common?

In the United States, the fungus mainly lives in the midwestern, south-central, and southeastern states. It is most common around the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys, Great Lakes, Saint Lawrence River, and western United States.

What is blastomycosis the fungal infection that killed a Michigan man?

How do you know if fungus is in your lungs?

We may need to conduct a lung scan (such as a CT scan) or consider using a bronchoscopy (telescope examination of your lungs) to enable direct sampling using fluid from your lungs to understand the presence of fungal infections. Special blood tests can also help determine whether you have an infection.

What does blastomycosis look like on skin?

Common sites of cutaneous lesions of blastomycosis are face, neck, scalp, and upper limbs. These may look elevated, crusted, warty, plaque-like, or ulcer-like and can vary in size from a few millimetres to several centimetres. Early lesions can also appear as papules or pustules.

Can poor hygiene cause fungal infections?

Poor hygiene can increase the risk of fungal infections. Fungi are naturally on and inside our bodies. But, when they grow too much, they can harm us. Keeping clean is key to stopping this.

Which area would you avoid living if you would like to avoid getting blastomycosis?

Blastomyces lives in dirt or rotting wood, usually in areas near water, and you can breathe it in if you disturb the ground.

What is the rarest fungal infection?

Mucormycosis is a serious but rare fungal infection caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes. Mucormycosis mainly affects people with weakened immune systems. It most commonly affects the sinuses or the lungs. It can also occur on the skin after a cut, burn, or other type of skin injury.

Will fungus be the next pandemic?

Five years after COVID became a global pandemic, could another health crisis be on our horizon? According to scientists who study diseases, the possibility of a fungal pandemic—the subject of science fiction TV shows like “The Last of Us,” could be more of a reality, thanks to climate change and our warming planet.

What kills blastomycosis?

The antifungal itraconazole is usually used to treat mild to moderate blastomycosis. Amphotericin B is usually recommended for severe blastomycosis. Healthcare providers may test patients' blood to check if there is enough antifungal medication in their body.

Can you test your soil for blastomycosis?

Soil testing is very difficult and is generally unreliable as a predictor of Blastomycosis even in areas of known occurrence.

Is blastomycosis a mold?

Blastomycosis is a fungal infection typically acquired by breathing in spores of the fungi Blastomyces dermatitidis or Blastomyces gilchristii. These fungi can be found in moist soils, particularly in wooded areas and along waterways.

Should you shower every day with a fungal infection?

Self-help for fungal skin infections

Wash the affected areas daily. Dry your skin thoroughly after washing or bathing, especially in the folds of your skin and between your toes. Wear loose-fitting clothes made of cotton or a breathable material. If you have a toenail infection, keep your feet dry and your nails short.

Can a dirty house cause bacterial infections?

Furthermore, a dirty home can harbor harmful bacteria and viruses, causing infections. Common indoor allergens include dust mites, pet dander, and pollen. 2. Skin infections.

Why am I suddenly prone to fungal infections?

There are some factors that can increase your risk of contracting a fungal infection. Those at higher risk include people who: Have a lowered immune system because of medications, such as steroids, or disease, such as HIV. Had an organ transplant.

What does blasto feel like?

Symptoms may develop between three weeks to three months following exposure and commonly include fever, cough, extreme fatigue, night sweats, muscle aches, and joint pain; however, about 50% of those infected will not become ill.

How to tell if a rash is fungal or bacterial?

A bacterial skin infection usually develops when bacteria enter through a cut or wound, leading to swelling, pus, or painful rashes. In contrast, a fungal skin infection thrives in warm, moist areas like skin folds, often appearing as circular, scaly, and itchy patches.

How can you tell if you have blastomycosis?

Symptoms of blastomycosis may include:

1. Cough, or cough with blood.
2. Fever.
3. Shortness of breath.
4. Chills and/or night sweats.
5. Fatigue.
6. Weight loss and poor appetite.
7. Joint or bone pain.
8. Back or chest pain.

Can a blood test detect a fungal infection in the lungs?

Tissue and blood tests.

Skin testing, as well as sputum and blood tests, may be helpful in confirming allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.

What is the drug of choice for blastomycosis?

Amphotericin B is the drug of choice for treating blastomycosis in pregnant women (AII).

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