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The epidemiology of blastomycosis in Illinois and factors associated with death

Mark S Dworkin1, Amy N Duckro, Laurie Proia

  • 1Illinois Department of Public Health, Div. of Infectious Diseases, Chicago, Illinois 60601, USA. mdworkin@idph.state.il.us

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|November 17, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Blastomycosis cases and deaths increased in Illinois from 1993-2003. Delayed diagnosis (over 128 days) significantly increased mortality risk for this fungal infection.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health Surveillance

Background:

  • Blastomycosis is a serious systemic fungal infection with variable presentation, ranging from asymptomatic to fatal.
  • A notable increase in blastomycosis cases prompted an investigation into the disease's epidemiology in Illinois.

Observation:

  • Surveillance data from 1993-2003 identified 500 blastomycosis cases in Illinois.
  • Mortality rates were disproportionately higher among Black individuals, those aged 65 and older, and males.
  • The annual reported cases of blastomycosis in Illinois significantly increased from 24 in 1993 to 87 in 2002.

Findings:

  • A 7% mortality rate was observed among the 500 reported cases.
  • A median of 128 days elapsed between illness onset and diagnosis.
  • Delayed diagnosis (≥128 days) was associated with a 2.1-fold increased risk of death.

Implications:

  • The rising incidence of blastomycosis in Illinois necessitates enhanced public health awareness.
  • Educating medical providers on blastomycosis symptom recognition, diagnosis, and treatment is crucial for reducing mortality.
  • Timely diagnosis and appropriate antifungal therapy are critical for improving outcomes in blastomycosis patients.

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