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Severe blastomycosis in infants
Lorine Pelly1, Alaa Al Juaid, Sergio Fanella
1From the *Section of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; and †Pediatric Infectious Diseases, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
Blastomycosis is a dimorphic fungal infection that can be manifested as pulmonary or extrapulmonary disease. Disease in infants is rare, even in endemic areas. We report a case of severe blastomycosis in a 4-month-old infant, as well as details of 2 other cases from our center and a brief review of infant blastomycosis.
Insights
Severe blastomycosis, a fungal infection, is rare but serious in infants. This study details a severe infant case and reviews similar pediatric cases, highlighting the need for awareness in endemic regions.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Blastomycosis is a systemic fungal infection caused by the dimorphic fungus *Blastomyces dermatitidis*.
- It typically presents as pulmonary or extrapulmonary disease in adults.
- Infant infections are exceptionally rare, even in areas where the fungus is endemic.
Observation:
- This report details a severe case of blastomycosis in a 4-month-old infant.
- Two additional infant cases from the same center are also presented.
- A review of existing literature on infant blastomycosis is included.
Findings:
- The case series demonstrates that severe blastomycosis can occur in infants.
- Infants may present with disseminated disease, challenging early diagnosis.
- Early recognition and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric blastomycosis.
Implications:
- Clinicians in endemic areas should consider blastomycosis in the differential diagnosis of severe illness in infants.
- Increased awareness and further research are needed to understand pediatric blastomycosis.
- Prompt diagnosis and management can improve outcomes for affected infants.
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