K101 Project: Fungal Disease | Blastomycosis by Sandoval, Alana Yulisa

CDC Page

alansand — 2023-11-29 01:12:02 UTC

Blastomycosis

Description | What is Blastomycosis?

alansand — 2023-11-29 01:20:19 UTC

Blastomycosis is the onset of infection caused by inhaling the Blastomyces dermatitidis fungus, which is commonly found in decaying wood and soil. It is a very rare disease as it is only contracted in the central and southeastern United States, as well as Canada, India, Israel, Saudi Arabia, & Africa.

Causative Agent

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Blastomyces Dermatitidis Fungus

Symptoms/Complications

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1) Chest Pain

2) Cough accompanied by brown and/or bloody mucus

3) Fatigue

Diagnosis & Treatment

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Diagnosis: a urine or blood sample is normally taken to be tested for the causative agent, but chest x-rays, a culture, fluid sample from respiratory tract, or tissue biopsy may also be collected. Often you are asked about your travel history since it is a rare disease, having the ability to only be contracted in certain parts of the world.

Treatment: the most common course of treatment is an anti-fungal treatment

Prevention

alansand — 2023-11-29 01:37:21 UTC

People who travel to areas where the disease are more likely to contract it. Additionally, individuals with weakened immune systems or individuals who are pregnant have a greater risk of developing a more severe type of Blastomycosis. These individuals might be cautioned to take preventative measures and not participate in activities such as camping, hunting, etc. in an area where the disease is known to be prevalent.

Emerging Threats/Successes

alansand — 2023-11-29 01:38:13 UTC

Although rare, a recent success regarding Blastomycosis is the succession of treatment in spinal infections caused by the fungal disease. Overall, spinal infections can be tricky and are accompanied by a shocking mortality rate. When caught early on, and with proper measures taken, anti-fungal treatments seem to do the job. Sometimes treatment also includes surgery, but the ultimate success with Blastomycosis right now, is having medication that can potentially rid the body of infection.

Citation: Gonzalez GA, Porto G, Tecce E, Oghli YS, Miao J, O'Leary M, Chadid DP, Vo M, Harrop J. Advances in diagnosis and management of atypical spinal infections: A comprehensive review. N Am Spine Soc J. 2023 Sep 28;16:100282. doi: 10.1016/j.xnsj.2023.100282. PMID: 37915965; PMCID: PMC10616400.

Infographic

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Featured Scientist

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MD at Jefferson Health, Neurology Department

Learn More: Kevin's Story

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Blastomycosis in the News

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