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Jenks JD, Prattes J, Wurster S, Sprute R, Seidel D, Oliverio M, Egger M, Del Rio C, Sati H, Cornely OA, Thompson GR, Kontoyiannis DP, Hoenigl M. Social determinants of health as drivers of fungal disease. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 66:102325. [PMID: 38053535 PMCID: PMC10694587 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Disparities in social determinants of health (SDOH) play a significant role in causing health inequities globally. The physical environment, including housing and workplace environment, can increase the prevalence and spread of fungal infections. A number of professions are associated with increased fungal infection risk and are associated with low pay, which may be linked to crowded and sub-optimal living conditions, exposure to fungal organisms, lack of access to quality health care, and risk for fungal infection. Those involved and displaced from areas of armed conflict have an increased risk of invasive fungal infections. Lastly, a number of fungal plant pathogens already threaten food security, which will become more problematic with global climate change. Taken together, disparities in SDOH are associated with increased risk for contracting fungal infections. More emphasis needs to be placed on systematic approaches to better understand the impact and reducing the health inequities associated with these disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D. Jenks
- Durham County Department of Public Health, Durham, NC, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Juergen Prattes
- Division of Infectious Diseases, ECMM Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
| | - Sebastian Wurster
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Rosanne Sprute
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging – Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Center of Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Center of Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Danila Seidel
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging – Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Center of Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Center of Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany
| | - Matteo Oliverio
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging – Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Matthias Egger
- Division of Infectious Diseases, ECMM Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
| | - Carlos Del Rio
- Emory Center for AIDS Research, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Hatim Sati
- Department of Global Coordination and Partnership on Antimicrobial Resistance, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Oliver A. Cornely
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging – Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Center of Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Center of Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Clinical Trials Centre Cologne (ZKS Koln), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - George R. Thompson
- University of California Davis Center for Valley Fever, Sacramento, CA, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, United States of America
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Dimitrios P. Kontoyiannis
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, ECMM Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
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Osuolale O. Stirring Up Trouble? Forest Disturbance and the Spread of a Fungal Disease. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:104003. [PMID: 37878795 PMCID: PMC10599637 DOI: 10.1289/ehp13649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
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Jenks JD, White PL, Kidd SE, Goshia T, Fraley SI, Hoenigl M, Thompson GR. An update on current and novel molecular diagnostics for the diagnosis of invasive fungal infections. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2023; 23:1135-1152. [PMID: 37801397 PMCID: PMC10842420 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2023.2267977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasive fungal infections cause millions of infections annually, but diagnosis remains challenging. There is an increased need for low-cost, easy to use, highly sensitive and specific molecular assays that can differentiate between colonized and pathogenic organisms from different clinical specimens. AREAS COVERED We reviewed the literature evaluating the current state of molecular diagnostics for invasive fungal infections, focusing on current and novel molecular tests such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), digital PCR, high-resolution melt (HRM), and metagenomics/next generation sequencing (mNGS). EXPERT OPINION PCR is highly sensitive and specific, although performance can be impacted by prior/concurrent antifungal use. PCR assays can identify mutations associated with antifungal resistance, non-Aspergillus mold infections, and infections from endemic fungi. HRM is a rapid and highly sensitive diagnostic modality that can identify a wide range of fungal pathogens, including down to the species level, but multiplex assays are limited and HRM is currently unavailable in most healthcare settings, although universal HRM is working to overcome this limitation. mNGS offers a promising approach for rapid and hypothesis-free diagnosis of a wide range of fungal pathogens, although some drawbacks include limited access, variable performance across platforms, the expertise and costs associated with this method, and long turnaround times in real-world settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D Jenks
- Durham County Department of Public Health, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - P Lewis White
- Public Health Wales Microbiology Cardiff, UHW, United Kingdom and Centre for trials research/Division of Infection/Immunity, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Sarah E Kidd
- National Mycology Reference Centre, SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Tyler Goshia
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Stephanie I Fraley
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
| | - George R Thompson
- University of California Davis Center for Valley Fever, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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Agyeman HN, Lee D, Hunckler WJ, DeLong P, Lee SA. A case of tracheal and pulmonary blastomycosis presenting as asymptomatic pulmonary nodules. Med Mycol Case Rep 2021; 34:1-4. [PMID: 34458084 PMCID: PMC8379526 DOI: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastomyces is an endemic fungal pathogen found in regions of North America. It is endemic in the Ohio and Mississippi river valleys, New York, Wisconsin, Colorado, Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, and other regions of the United States. It is common in Canada, mainly Ontario and Manitoba. Here, we report a case of tracheal and pulmonary blastomycosis. Interestingly, this case presented as an unexpected diagnosis as part of a malignancy workup. To our knowledge, this is only the second case of tracheal blastomycosis reported in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison N Agyeman
- White River Junction VA Medical Center, Medicine Service, 215 North Main Street, 111, White River Junction, VT, 05009, USA
| | - Devin Lee
- White River Junction VA Medical Center, Medicine Service, 215 North Main Street, 111, White River Junction, VT, 05009, USA
| | - William J Hunckler
- White River Junction VA Medical Center, Medicine Service, 215 North Main Street, 111, White River Junction, VT, 05009, USA
| | - Peter DeLong
- White River Junction VA Medical Center, Medicine Service, 215 North Main Street, 111, White River Junction, VT, 05009, USA
| | - Samuel A Lee
- White River Junction VA Medical Center, Medicine Service, 215 North Main Street, 111, White River Junction, VT, 05009, USA
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Rush B, Lother S, Paunovic B, Mooney O, Kumar A. Outcomes With Severe Blastomycosis and Respiratory Failure in the United States. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:1603-1607. [PMID: 32227089 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outcomes of patients with severe pulmonary blastomycosis requiring mechanical ventilation (MV) are not well understood in the modern era. Limited historical case series reported 50-90% mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by blastomycosis. The objective of this large retrospective cohort study was to describe the risk factors and outcomes of patients with severe pulmonary blastomycosis. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort analysis utilizing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2006-2014. Patients aged >18 years with a diagnosis of blastomycosis who received MV were included. RESULTS There were 1848 patients with a diagnosis of blastomycosis included in the study. Of these, 219 (11.9%) underwent MV with a mortality rate of 39.7% compared with 2.5% in patients not requiring ventilatory support (P < .01). The median (IQR) time to death for patients requiring MV was 12 (8-16) days. The median length of hospital stay for survivors of MV was 22 (14-37) days. The rate of MV was higher for patients treated in teaching hospitals (63.4% vs 57.2%, P = .05) and lower for those receiving care at a rural hospital (12.3% vs 17.2%, P = .04). In a multivariate model, female gender was associated with increased risk of mortality (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.06-3.20; P = .03) as was increasing patient age (10-year age increase OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.33-2.02; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS In the largest published cohort of patients with blastomycosis, mortality for patients on MV is high at ~40%, 16-fold higher than those without MV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barret Rush
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Sylvain Lother
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Bojan Paunovic
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Owen Mooney
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Anand Kumar
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Merkhofer RM, Klein BS. Advances in Understanding Human Genetic Variations That Influence Innate Immunity to Fungi. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:69. [PMID: 32185141 PMCID: PMC7058545 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi are ubiquitous. Yet, despite our frequent exposure to commensal fungi of the normal mammalian microbiota and environmental fungi, serious, systemic fungal infections are rare in the general population. Few, if any, fungi are obligate pathogens that rely on infection of mammalian hosts to complete their lifecycle; however, many fungal species are able to cause disease under select conditions. The distinction between fungal saprophyte, commensal, and pathogen is artificial and heavily determined by the ability of an individual host's immune system to limit infection. Dramatic examples of commensal fungi acting as opportunistic pathogens are seen in hosts that are immune compromised due to congenital or acquired immune deficiency. Genetic variants that lead to immunological susceptibility to fungi have long been sought and recognized. Decreased myeloperoxidase activity in neutrophils was first reported as a mechanism for susceptibility to Candida infection in 1969. The ability to detect genetic variants and mutations that lead to rare or subtle susceptibilities has improved with techniques such as single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarrays, whole exome sequencing (WES), and whole genome sequencing (WGS). Still, these approaches have been limited by logistical considerations and cost, and they have been applied primarily to Mendelian impairments in anti-fungal responses. For example, loss-of-function mutations in CARD9 were discovered by studying an extended family with a history of fungal infection. While discovery of such mutations furthers the understanding of human antifungal immunity, major Mendelian susceptibility loci are unlikely to explain genetic disparities in the rate or severity of fungal infection on the population level. Recent work using unbiased techniques has revealed, for example, polygenic mechanisms contributing to candidiasis. Understanding the genetic underpinnings of susceptibility to fungal infections will be a powerful tool in the age of personalized medicine. Future application of this knowledge may enable targeted health interventions for susceptible individuals, and guide clinical decision making based on a patient's individual susceptibility profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M Merkhofer
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Bruce S Klein
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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Lohrenz S, Minion J, Pandey M, Karunakaran K. Blastomycosis in Southern Saskatchewan 2000-2015: Unique presentations and disease characteristics. Med Mycol 2018; 56:787-795. [PMID: 29924358 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myx131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the literature, cases of blastomycosis in Canada have been documented in provinces bordering the Great Lakes, including Ontario and Quebec, as well as Manitoba. This is the first study to our knowledge reporting cases of mycosis seen in southern Saskatchewan suggesting a broader area of endemicity. We searched the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region (RQHR) Microbiology Laboratory for all culture-confirmed cases of Blastomyces from January 2000 to December 2015 and identified 15 cases. Thirteen cases were reviewed, identifying common presenting symptoms, misdiagnosis, comorbidities, travel history, time from presentation to diagnosis, diagnostic specimen, treatment, and clinical outcome. Nine patients had no travel to areas known to be endemic to environmental blastomycosis. Eight patients presented with respiratory symptoms, four with skin lesions, four with constitutional symptoms, and one presented with chest pain after a fall. Initial misdiagnosis occurred in nine (69%) of the 13 cases, and all six patients that died of the disease were misdiagnosed. These six patients (46%) were acutely ill with refractory disseminated disease, leading to respiratory failure. It is probable that Blastomyces is present as an endemic fungus in the soil of southern Saskatchewan. Possibly due to a lack of awareness of this pathogen in the area, initial misdiagnoses were common and likely contributed to significant morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lohrenz
- College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Jessica Minion
- Dept of Laboratory Medicine, Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region, Regina, SK, Canada.,Dept of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Mamata Pandey
- Dept of Research and Performance Support, Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region, Regina, SK, Canada
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Doberstein C, Noor A, Choi D, Smith J, Groh D, Mermel L, Doberstein C. Cerebral Epidural Abscess Secondary to Blastomyces Masquerading as an Epidermoid Tumor. Open Forum Infect Dis 2017; 4:ofx112. [PMID: 28721351 PMCID: PMC5508773 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofx112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There have been infrequent reports of isolated central nervous system blastomycosis. We report a case of intracranial epidural abscess secondary to Blastomyces dermatitidis in a patient residing in Rhode Island with a history of remote travel to an endemic area. The clinical, radiographic, and pathologic features of this unique case are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody Doberstein
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Pathology, and Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence
| | - Abass Noor
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Pathology, and Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence
| | - David Choi
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Pathology, and Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence
| | - Jacob Smith
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Pathology, and Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence
| | - Darren Groh
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Pathology, and Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence
| | - Leonard Mermel
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Pathology, and Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence
| | - Curtis Doberstein
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Pathology, and Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence
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Outcomes of persons with blastomycosis involving the central nervous system. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2013; 76:175-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2013.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2013] [Revised: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Benedict K, Roy M, Chiller T, Davis JP. Epidemiologic and Ecologic Features of Blastomycosis: A Review. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s12281-012-0110-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Risk factors for acquisition of endemic blastomycosis. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY 2011; 20:117-21. [PMID: 21119803 DOI: 10.1155/2009/824101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastomycosis is potentially fatal, but environmental risk factors for acquiring blastomycosis are not well established. METHOD Matched cross-sectional questionnaire of 112 patients with history of blastomycosis and 118 control subjects in Manitoba and northwestern Ontario. RESULTS The most common tissues involved with blastomycosis were pulmonary, skin and soft tissues, and bone. A significantly greater proportion of patients with blastomycosis than control subjects were involved in outdoor occupations. A significantly greater percentage of patients with blastomycosis were immunosuppressed either from collagen vascular disease or immunosuppressive therapy, or had hypothyroidism. A significant association between canine and human blastomycosis was not observed. CONCLUSIONS Independent risk factors for development of blastomycosis included immunosuppression for any reason (including drugs or disease), collagen vascular disease, being an outdoor worker, and having a coworker with blastomycosis. Canine blastomycosis was not a risk factor for human disease in dog owners.
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Abstract
Blastomycosis is endemic in regions of North America that border the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River, as well as in the Mississippi River and Ohio River basins. Men are affected more often than women and children because men are more likely to participate in activities that put them at risk for exposure to Blastomyces dermatitidis. Human infection occurs when soil containing microfoci of mycelia is disturbed and airborne conidia are inhaled. If natural defenses in the alveoli fail to contain the infection, lymphohematogenous dissemination ensues. Normal host responses generate a characteristic pyogranulomatous reaction. The most common sites of clinical disease are the lung and skin; osseous, genitourinary, and central nervous system manifestations follow in decreasing order of frequency. Blastomycosis is one of the great mimickers in medicine; verrucous cutaneous blastomycosis resembles malignancy, and mass-like lung opacities due to B. dermatitidis often are confused with cancer. Blastomycosis may be clinically indistinguishable from tuberculosis. Diagnosis is based on culture and direct visualization of round, multinucleated yeast forms that produce daughter cells from a single broad-based bud. Although a long course of amphotericin B is usually curative, itraconazole is also highly effective and is the mainstay of therapy for most patients with blastomycosis.
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Abstract
The endemic mycoses are a diverse group of diseases caused by thermally dimorphic fungi. While they share many characteristics, each has unique aspects with regards to their clinical course, diagnosis and management. Diagnosis may be difficult and delayed owing to the varied manifestations and wide differential diagnosis. Historically, treatment has been with amphotericin B, which has been limited by its significant toxicity. The advent of the azole class of medications has allowed for safer alternatives to amphotericin B. The azoles have become the mainstay of treatment for many, if not most, forms of these diseases. Guidelines have been released for the management of each of the North American endemic mycoses; however, many questions remain as to the best strategies for the diagnosis and management of various manifestations of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyur S Vyas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham, Mail Slot #639, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
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Clinical Usefulness of ELISPOT Assay on Pericardial Fluid in a Case of Suspected Tuberculous Pericarditis. Infection 2008; 36:601-4. [DOI: 10.1007/s15010-008-7402-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2007] [Accepted: 03/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Oppenheimer M, Embil JM, Black B, Wiebe L, Limerick B, MacDonald K, Trepman E. Blastomycosis of Bones and Joints. South Med J 2007; 100:570-8. [PMID: 17591310 DOI: 10.1097/smj.0b013e3180487a92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A retrospective study of 45 patients hospitalized with blastomycosis of bones or joints revealed 41 cases of osteomyelitis and 12 cases of septic arthritis. The majority were men (35 [78%] patients) and non-Aboriginal (32 [71%] patients). Median time from the onset of symptoms to hospitalization was shorter in women than men (male, 48 d; female, 14 d; P < 0.02), and shorter for Aboriginals than non-Aboriginals (non-Aboriginal, 50 d; Aboriginal, 19 d; P < 0.04). Cutaneous disease was present in 33 (73%) patients, and lung involvement was present in 29 (64%) patients. The most common osseous sites of involvement were the lower limb and axial skeleton. Common orthopaedic symptoms of bone lesions included bone pain in 42 (78%) patients, swelling in 32 (59%) patients, and soft tissue abscesses in 21 (39%) patients. Joint infection (12 patients) manifested as a monoarticular arthropathy presenting with effusion in 9 (75%) patients, pain in 8 (67%) patients, and decreased range of motion in 5 (42%) patients. Osseous blastomycosis can mimic bacterial infection and should be included in the differential diagnosis of bone and joint infection in patients who have visited or who live in geographic regions where B dermatitidis is endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Oppenheimer
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canad
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Covert DJ, Langley RL. Infectious disease occurrence in forestry workers: a systematic review. J Agromedicine 2003; 8:95-111. [PMID: 12853275 DOI: 10.1300/j096v08n02_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Forestry workers are a classic example of how environmental exposures put workers in some occupation at higher risk for infectious disease. Foresters are exposed to wild animals, arthropods, vegetation, and soil, all of which may harbor bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other eukaryotic parasites that are harmful to humans. Common routes of exposure to these pathogens include inhalation, direct contact, and vector-borne inoculation through the skin in injuries. A variety of vectors can transmit diseases of importance to foresters. They include ticks, flies, mosquitoes, and Reduviidae bugs. This is a systematic review of the scientific literature that details the risk of forestry workers face.
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Ebeo CT, Olive K, Byrd RP, Mirle G, Roy TM, Mehta JB. Blastomycosis of the Vocal folds with Life-Threatening upper Airway Obstruction: A Case Report. EAR, NOSE & THROAT JOURNAL 2002. [DOI: 10.1177/014556130208101216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastomycosis is a chronic fungal disease that primarily affects the lower respiratory tract. The acute inflammatory phase of the primary pulmonary infection is characterized by a lymphohematogenous spread to extrapulmonary sites, especially the skin. The presence of disseminated infection with Blastomyces dermatitidis in the larynx is unusual. In areas of the United States where this fungus is endemic, failure to consider laryngeal involvement might lead to inappropriate therapy and thus worsening inflammation and airway compromise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celso T. Ebeo
- Department of Internal Medicine, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City
| | - Kenneth Olive
- Department of Internal Medicine, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City
| | - Ryland P. Byrd
- Department of Internal Medicine, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City
| | - Girish Mirle
- Department of Internal Medicine, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City
| | - Thomas M. Roy
- Department of Internal Medicine, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City
| | - Jay B. Mehta
- Department of Internal Medicine, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City
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Proctor ME, Klein BS, Jones JM, Davis JP. Cluster of pulmonary blastomycosis in a rural community: evidence for multiple high-risk environmental foci following a sustained period of diminished precipitation. Mycopathologia 2002; 153:113-20. [PMID: 11998870 DOI: 10.1023/a:1014515230994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Much of our understanding of the epidemiologic features of infection with Blastomyces dermatitidis has come from cluster and outbreak investigations which have established the association of human disease with recreational pursuits and the presence of infectious microfoci in areas of moist soil with high organic content. This report describes the clustering of eight cases of pulmonary blastomycosis without an apparent common source exposure which occurred during a 90 day period in a 96 square mile area (population 4,450) within Oconto County, Wisconsin. We conclude that multiple high-risk environmental foci may have existed following a sustained five-year period of diminished precipitation in the cluster area. A case-control study which included family and community controls concluded that multiple earth-disturbing activities engaged in by case-patients was statistically associated with illness. Lymphocyte-proliferation assays of whole blood samples detected previously unrecognized infection with B. dermatititidis among five of 32 family controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Proctor
- Wisconsin Department at Health and Family Servcices, Division of Public Health, Bureau of Communicable Diseases, Madison 53701, USA.
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Daly JS, Mark EJ. Case records of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Weekly clinicopathological exercises. Case 14-2002. A 51-year-old woman with recurrent hemoptysis. N Engl J Med 2002; 346:1475-82. [PMID: 12000819 DOI: 10.1056/nejmcpc020014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Abstract
We report a case of blastomycosis presenting as epididymitis and prostatitis. The diagnosis was suggested by pathologic findings in the prostate and epididymis and was further supported by serology. The diagnosis was confirmed by culture and special staining. Long-term cure was accomplished after a 12-month course of oral ketoconazole (400 mg/day). Therapy was monitored by culture and serology. Blastomycosis is an unusual but significant pathogen which occasionally presents with genitourinary tract involvement. Effective diagnostic and oral treatment regimens are now available but are dependent on a high degree of suspicion in cases of chronic prostatitis or epididymitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Seo
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60611-7275, USA
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Fisher MA, Legendre AM, Scalarone GM. Immunological and chemical characterization of glycoproteins in IEF fractions of Blastomyces dermatitidis yeast lysate antigen. Mycoses 1997; 40:83-90. [PMID: 9375492 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.1997.tb00192.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
After isoelectric focusing (IEF), fractions of a Blastomyces dermatitidis yeast lysate antigen were analysed for the presence of glycoproteins that may lead to cross-reactivity in immunoassays for the diagnosis of blastomycosis. Five major glycoproteins were apparent, two of which showed cross-reactivity when used in Western blots with sera obtained from dogs with histoplasmosis and coccidioidomycosis. These five glycoproteins were characterized for linkage to the proteins using N-glycosidase F (NGF) and for their lectin binding properties. The cross-reactive 235- and 160-kDa glycoproteins were found to possess mainly O-linked, high-mannose-type carbohydrates, and periodate-mediated oxidation of these molecules eliminated cross-reactivity observed with heterologous sera. Thus, the periodate-treated IEF antigens described here may be useful in solid-phase enzyme immunoassays for the diagnosis of blastomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Fisher
- Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello 83209, USA
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Abstract
Systemic fungal diseases are primary pulmonary diseases caused by the dimorphic fungal pathogens, Blastomyces dermatitides, Coccidioides immitis. Histoplasma capsulatum, or Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Infection occurs after inhalation of the infectious form of the fungus and may be acute, self-limited, or subclinical. Primary cutaneous infection occurs only after traumatic implantation of the fungus and is unusual. Erythema nodosum or erythema multiforme may accompany the acute form of the disease. Other cutaneous manifestations represent disseminated disease and, as such, require systemic antifungal therapy. Because cutaneous lesions have occurred coincidentally with other cutaneous pathologies, emphasis should be placed on a complete clinical history, physical examination, and diagnosis by histopathology and culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- B A Body
- Laboratory Corporation of America, Burlington, North Carolina, USA
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