Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis is an endemic, systemic pyogranulomatous infection caused by inhaling airborne conidia from thermally dimorphic fungi of the genus *Blastomyces*, primarily *Blastomyces dermatitidis* and *Blastomyces gilchristii* Pathophysiologically, the inhaled conidia transition in warm host tissue into characteristic large, thick-walled yeasts with broad-based budding, provoking mixed suppurative and granulomatous inflammation In a substantial subset of patients, hematogenous dissemination occu...

Blastomycosis is an endemic, systemic pyogranulomatous infection caused by inhaling airborne conidia from thermally dimorphic fungi of the genus *Blastomyces*, primarily *Blastomyces dermatitidis* and *Blastomyces gilchristii*

Blastomycosis is an endemic, systemic pyogranulomatous infection caused by inhaling airborne conidia from thermally dimorphic fungi of the genus *Blastomyces*, primarily *Blastomyces dermatitidis* and *Blastomyces gilchristii* It predominantly targets the pulmonary system of both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals, classically manifesting as an acute or chronic pneumonia that can progress to severe respiratory compromise

It predominantly targets the pulmonary system of both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals, classically manifesting as an acute or chronic pneumonia that can progress to severe respiratory compromise In a substantial subset of patients, hematogenous dissemination occurs, most frequently causing verrucous or ulcerative skin lesions, osteoarticular destruction, genitourinary disease, or central nervous system involvement

It predominantly targets the pulmonary system of both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals, classically manifesting as an acute or chronic pneumonia that can progress to severe respiratory compromise

Pathophysiologically, the inhaled conidia transition in warm host tissue into characteristic large, thick-walled yeasts with broad-based budding, provoking mixed suppurative and granulomatous inflammation In a substantial subset of patients, hematogenous dissemination occurs, most frequently causing verrucous or ulcerative skin lesions, osteoarticular destruction, genitourinary disease, or central nervous system involvement