About blastomycosis

What are the risk factors for blastomycosis?

The risk factors for blastomycosis, a fungal infection caused by the dimorphic fungus, are immunocompromised patients or people who need to work outdoor especially in forest areas. If you live in an area where fungal spores are in abundance, then you are at a high-risk factor for the disease. The fungal spores are in plentiful at damp forests, so if your profession is hunter, forest worker, camper or a farmer, you might be at a higher risk to get the disease. Also, the disease is non-communicable. Although the common symptom of the disease includes the normal flu symptoms, the symptoms usually persist longer and are more severe than normal flu in the case of blastomycosis. If the infection spread via the blood, you may witness skin or bone lesions as well.The blastomycosis can be diagnosed by culturing the fungi from the biopsy samples. Also, some immunology-based tests are available which can detect the fungi in your blood or urine samples. If the disease is detected, you should take medical help as the disease cannot be treated by self-care at home. Antifungal drugs are used to treat the patients, and the treatment might last for six to twelve months. To treat blastomycosis, you need antifungal drug called itraconazole (Sporanox). If your symptoms are severe, you might need amphotericin B. In very rare cases if you are immune-compromised, you might require lifelong treatment as well.After you have been relieved from the disease, a follow up is important to check for reinfection. Also, no vaccine is available for the disease, and you may have to stick with basic prevention like avoiding the deep forests where fungal spores might enter your lungs.

Is there a cure/medications for blastomycosis?

Blastomycosis, a fungal infection caused by dimorphic fungus, is a curable diagnosis with the proper drugs and care. Once you are diagnosed with blastomycosis, your treatment can range anywhere from six to twelve months. The most common treatment involves a drug named itraconazole (Sporanox). The drug alone might be enough to treat mild to moderate blastomycosis patients. If your illness is more severe, your doctor may prescribe amphotericin B. for more severe cases of blastomycosis, the two drugs may be used in conjunction.

Due to the lengthy treatment and recovery period, follow-ups are extremely necessary, if not required. Additionally, due to the high rates of relapse and infection. Drug dosage is monitored throughout follow-ups to ensure effective treatment. 

If you are immunocompromised, you may require lifelong medication and therapy with Sporanox. 

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