What do blastomycosis lesions look like?
Papules, pustules, or nodules are most frequently found on exposed body areas. They may look like warts or ulcers. They are usually painless. They may vary from gray to violet in color.
What does blastomycosis look like on xray?
(c) On a CT scan, the reticulonodular opacities seen in a have a tree-in-bud appearance. Figure 12c. (a) Reticulonodular pattern in blastomycosis. Radiograph shows bilateral reticulonodular opacities, with a large cavitary lesion in the right upper lobe.
What color is blastomycosis?
Vary in color from gray to violet. May appear in the nose and mouth. Bleed easily and form ulcers.
Can you see blastomycosis?
Blastomyces lives in the environment as a mold that produces fungal spores. The spores are too small to see without a microscope.
Is Blasto a zoonotic?
Zoonotic (Human Infection) Alert: Blastomycosis cannot be spread to people from dogs through the air, such as breathing or coughing. However, blood transmission (e.g. from dog bites, used needles) can occur.
How does blastomycosis affect the lungs?
When Blastomycosis affects the lungs, which are common sites of fungal involvement, it usually takes the form of chronic pneumonia. Symptoms may include a cough ccompanied by thick sputum, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and/or rapid heartbeat.
Is blastomycosis serious?
Blastomycosis is an uncommon, but potentially serious fungal infection. It primarily affects the lungs, and is caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis. The signs and symptoms of illness that can result from exposure to this soil organism are variable.
What are the symptoms of Blasto?
Symptoms of blastomycosis may include:
- Cough, or cough with blood.
- Fever.
- Shortness of breath.
- Chills and/or night sweats.
- Fatigue.
- Weight loss and poor appetite.
- Joint or bone pain.
- Back or chest pain.
Is Blasto contagious between dogs?
Pets, particularly dogs, can get blastomycosis, but it is not contagious between animals and people. The symptoms of blastomycosis in animals are similar to the symptoms in humans.
How long is treatment for blastomycosis?
Amphotericin B is usually recommended for severe blastomycosis in the lungs or infections that have spread to other parts of the body. Depending on the severity of the infection and the person’s immune status, the course of treatment can range from six months to one year.
How long will blastomycosis last?
Treatment of blastomycosis requires long-term antifungal medications (i.e. average 2-6 months of therapy). Itraconazole or fluconazole are most commonly used. Some dogs may need to be hospitalized initially to help control some of their more severe symptoms.