Blastomycosis generally causes mild flu-like symptoms and is self-limiting. In immunocompromised people it may lead to chronic cutaneous disease with subcutaneous lesions on the face and hands. These skin lesions eventually become crusty and discolored and can result in deforming scars. Systemic blastomycosis is rare, but if left untreated, it is always fatal.

Signs and Symptoms of Blastomycosis

Blastomyces uses the soil as a reservoir, and fungal spores can be inhaled from disturbed soil.

Transmission of Blastomyces

Diagnosis of blastomycosis can be made by observing the characteristic budding yeast forms in sputum samples. Commercially available urine antigen tests are now also available. Additional confirmatory tests include serological assays such as immunodiffusion tests or EIA.

Diagnosis of Blastomycosis

Most cases of blastomycosis respond well to amphotericin B or ketoconazole treatments.

Treatment of Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis is a respiratory infection caused by the dimorphic fungus *Blastomyces dermatitidis*. If left untreated, the infection can disseminate to other body locations and potentially cause death.

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Exposure to various fungi can lead to infections of the respiratory system. Some of the diseases caused by fungi include:
 - Histoplasmosis
 - Coccidioidomycosis
 - Blastomycosis
 - Mucormycosis
 - Aspergillosis
 - Pneumocystis Pneumonia
 - Cryptococcosis

The Different Fungal Infections of the Respiratory System 

https://openstax.org/details/books/microbiology/

Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

OpenStax Microbiology Textbook

Histoplasmosis most commonly occurs in the Mississippi Valley of the United States, and is commonly referred to as the "Mississippi Valley Fever." It is acquired by inhaling microconidial spores in the air. It not transmitted from human to human. The causative agent is *Histoplasma capsulatum.*

Histoplasmosis

Coccidioidomycosis is acquired by inhaling fungal spores. Because the microbe is endemic to the San Joaquin Valley of California, the disease is sometimes referred to as "Valley fever." Coccidioidomycosis is caused by *Coccidioides immitis.*

Coccidioidomycosis

Blastomycosis

Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection caused by a variety of fungi. including include bread molds, like *Rhizopus* and *Mucor*; the most commonly associated species is *Rhizopus arrhizus* 

Mucormycosis

aspergillosis is caused by the inhalation of *Aspergillus* spores

Aspergillosis

Cryptococcosis is a respiratory infection caused by *Cryptococcus neoformans*

Cryptococcosis

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a type of pneumonia and is caused by *Pneumocystis jirovecii.*

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