Blastomycosis
Blastomycosis is a disease caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis. The fungus lives in moist soil and in association with decomposing organic matter such as wood and leaves. Lung infection can occur after a person inhales airborne, microscopic fungal spores from the environment; however, many people who inhale the spores do not get sick. The symptoms of blastomycosis are similar to flu symptoms, and the infection can sometimes become serious if it is not treated.
Fungal infections pose an increasing threat to public health for several reasons. For other Fungal topics, visit the Fungal Homepage.
Histopathology showing a yeast cell of Blastomyces dermatitidis
Blastomycosis Topics
Definition
What is Blastomycosis?…
Symptoms
Fever, cough, headache…
Risk & Prevention
Who gets it and how it can be prevented…
Sources of Infection
Inhalation of spores from the environment…
Diagnosis & Testing
See your health care provider, sample tissue, clinical diagnosis…
Treatment & Outcomes
Antifungal treatment, resolution of symptoms…
Additional Information
Resources and publications…
Statistics
Incidence, surveillance…
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