The Cause of Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis is also known as Gilchrist's disease. Blastomycosis develops if you inhale the fungal spores of Blastomyces dermatitidis. Once inhalation of the fungus occurs, you will develop flu-like symptoms. Blastomycosis can result in pulmonary infections and skin and bone infections as well as meningitis. Meningitis causes the membranes surrounding your brain and spinal cord to become inflamed. The transmission of the disease isn't possible with human contact.

Origins

• Soil can contain Blastomyces dermatitidis.

  Typically, Blastomyces dermatitidis is found within the United States and Canada. There have been however, some cases of blastomycosis occurring in parts of South America and Africa. The incidence of blastomycosis is rare since contamination is the result of inhaling soil that contains decomposing debris. According to Medline Plus, only 1 to 2 people out of 100,000 people may become infected with blastomycosis.

Cause

• When you come into contact with soil containing the spores of Blastomyces dermatitidis, the spores can enter your body through any cuts or scrapes. If the spores are disturbed, the inhalation of the spores can cause the spores to become planted into your lungs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it can take weeks (up to 15) before you begin to present with symptoms.

Risk of Infection

• Those at risk of catching blastomycosis are farmers, foresters, individuals who go camping or hiking and hunters. Coming into contact with infected soil may also put you at risk. However, the chances of becoming infected with blastomycosis while gardening is very slim. You can minimize catching the disease by avoiding areas populated with Blastomyces dermatitidis or where infections of blastomycosis happen.

Symptoms

• Blastomycosis can cause various symptoms.

  An infection that develops within the lungs can cause hacking coughs and chest pain. Fever, chills, sweating and the feeling of malaise are also common symptoms. Once blastomycosis progresses, symptoms become more problematic. The disease can result in ulcerations, organ damage, tissue swelling and the swelling of the testes. Without treatment, death can result from a blastomycosis infection.

Treatment

• Anti-fungal medications are required to treat blastomycosis. Once you've been diagnosed with the disease, your physician will put you on itraconazole. If you're immunocompromised (e.g., if you have HIV or AIDS), are seriously ill with blastomycosis or have an infection within your central nervous system, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends amphotericin B. Following the recommended treatments instructed by your physician are necessary in order to prevent the disease from reoccurring.