Disseminated blastomycosis in an infant

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Blastomycosis is a life-threatening systemic infection caused by the dimorphic fungus *Blastomyces dermatitidis*.
• Pediatric cases of blastomycosis are uncommon, estimated between 2% and 11% of all cases.
• Infection in infants under 1 year of age is exceedingly rare.

Observation:

• This report details a case of disseminated blastomycosis in an otherwise healthy infant.
• The infant acquired the infection in Northern Ontario.
• This presentation is unusual given the patient's age and the rarity of blastomycosis in this demographic.

Findings:

• The case demonstrates that disseminated blastomycosis can occur in infants, even in the absence of known risk factors.
• The geographic location, Northern Ontario, is an endemic area for *Blastomyces dermatitidis*.
• Review of pediatric literature reveals limited data on infant blastomycosis.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering blastomycosis in the differential diagnosis of severe infections in infants, particularly in endemic regions.
• Early recognition and treatment are crucial for managing this rare but severe pediatric condition.
• Further research is needed to understand the epidemiology and clinical presentation of blastomycosis in very young children.