What is it?
A rare infection that may develop when people breathe in (inhale) a fungus found in moist soil, particularly where there is rotting vegetation.
- The fungus enters the body through the lungs, infecting them and spreads. Being around infected soil is the key risk factor.
- The disease usually affects people with a weak immune system.
- Men are more likely to be affected than women.
It is most common in world areas of:
- Central and South Eastern United States
- Middle and Southern Africa
- Pakistan
- Nepal
- Philippines
- West China
- Malaysia
- Western Australia
Diagnosis test
Blastomycosis antigen tests have extensive cross-reactivity with Histoplasmosis tests.
- Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) urine antigen test for Blastomyces species (result normally positive)
If result is negative then consider:
- Sputum or BAL culture and microscopy
- Performing a skin biopsy (if lesion[s] exists) for microscopy
- Ordering serologic antibody tests; however, antibody tests are reported to have low sensitivity, though may be useful when an antigen test is negative or when trying to differentiate blastomycosis from histoplasmosis
- Evaluating disease manifestations in bone, genitourinary tract, and central nervous system
- Obtaining infectious disease or pulmonology consultation
Medscape
Cause
- Fungus: Blastomyces dermatitidis
- Inhaling infected soils
Symptoms
- High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats longer than 72hours?
- Initially a persistent dry cough which has now become a chesty cough with yellow/green and/or blood stained phlegm?
- Dry cough longer than three weeks or breathing difficulties?
- Aching, painful muscles, muscle cramps/spasms/stiffness?
- General discomfort (muscle weakness), uneasiness or ill feeling (malaise) and/or fatigue (tiredness)?
- Wart-like (verrucous) and small raised pus-filled (papulopustular) lesions-violet coloured and have very small abscesses around the borders of the lesions?
Male:
- Inflammation, swelling, and/or pain in the groin?
Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:
Do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:
This condition can lead to:
- Mycotic Endophthalmitis
- Blurred vision/decreased vision
- Oedema (watery swelling) of the eyelid
- Eye pain
- Appearance of the eye may hazy
- Infection to the eye (sticky or watery discharge)
This condition may show similar symptoms to:
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Blastomycosis (Gilchrist’s Disease) in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
- NHS
Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help (British National Health Service).
- Medscape
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- Pharmaceutical Journal
The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.
- Healthline
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- Medical News Today
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- WebMD
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- Cleveland Clinic
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- Mayo Clinic
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- Drugs.com
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- National Organisation of Rare Diseases
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- Verywell Health
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- Fit for Travel
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- DR Axe
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