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Blastomycosis in northwestern ontario

L McIntyre

    Canadian Family Physician Medecin De Famille Canadien
    |February 1, 2011
    PubMed

    Insights

    Blastomycosis, a fungal infection, was diagnosed in nine Canadian Indian patients in northwestern Ontario. Early diagnosis and amphotericin B treatment led to favorable outcomes, highlighting environmental factors in disease acquisition.

    Area of Science:

    • Mycology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Public Health

    Background:

    • Blastomycosis is an endemic fungal infection in certain regions.
    • Limited published data exists on blastomycosis in northwestern Ontario.
    • This study examines cases from 1970-1983.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To describe the clinical and epidemiological features of blastomycosis in northwestern Ontario.
    • To identify risk factors associated with blastomycosis acquisition in the region.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective case series analysis.
    • Review of patient records from Sioux Lookout Zone Hospital (1970-1983).
    • Analysis of demographic, clinical, and treatment data.

    Main Results:

    • Nine cases of blastomycosis were identified, all presenting as progressive pulmonary disease.
    • The affected population included seven males and two females, all Canadian Indians, aged 4-54 years.
    • Diagnosis delays ranged from 11 days to 8 weeks (mean 31 days); patients responded well to amphotericin B.

    Conclusions:

    • Blastomycosis in this region primarily affects Canadian Indians and presents as pulmonary disease.
    • Environmental, geographic, occupational, and recreational factors are crucial for disease acquisition.
    • Prompt diagnosis and treatment with amphotericin B are effective.

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