Blastomycosis Definition Blastomycosis (North American blastomycosis) is an endemic mycosis that primarily causes infection of the lungs and skin and, less commonly, infection of the osteoarticular and genitourinary systems ( Table 308-1 ). TABLE 308-1 BLASTOMYCOSIS: CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND TREATMENT…
Coccidioidomycosis is an infection caused by the dimorphic fungi Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii . These fungi are endemic to the southwestern US, Mexico, Guatemala, and sporadic regions within Central and South America. Infection is caused by inhalation of highly…
The majority of human cryptococcal infections are caused by one of two species: Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. These species were previously separated into 3 varieties: C. neoformans var. neoformans, C. neoformans var. grubii, and C. neoformans var. gattii, which…
Revised August 7, 2021 Invasive aspergillosis (IA) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the immunosuppressed population. This infection is caused by Aspergillus , a hyaline mold, and is responsible for a variety of noninvasive or semiinvasive conditions.…
Key Points Opportunistic fungal pathogens have emerged as common causes of invasive disease in the compromised host. Histopathologic examination of deep tissue is a major means used for the rapid detection and recognition of fungal pathogens causing invasive infection. Micromorphologic…