Disseminated blastomycosis treated with ketoconazole.

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Neonatal Health

Background:

• Blastomycosis is a fungal infection caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis.
• Disseminated blastomycosis can affect multiple organ systems.
• Intrauterine transmission of fungal infections is rare but possible.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of presumed intrauterine transmission of blastomycosis.
• To highlight the potential for neonatal complications of maternal blastomycosis.
• To document the treatment response in a patient with disseminated blastomycosis.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a patient with disseminated blastomycosis during pregnancy.
• Clinical observation of the infant's health and outcome.
• Assessment of treatment efficacy based on clinical response.

Main Results:

• The infant born to a mother with disseminated blastomycosis died at three weeks of age from diffuse pulmonary blastomycosis.
• The infant's condition was likely due to intrauterine transmission of the fungal infection.
• The mother's extensive skin lesions showed a dramatic response to ketoconazole treatment.

Conclusions:

• Intrauterine transmission of blastomycosis is a potential, albeit rare, complication of maternal infection.
• Disseminated blastomycosis in pregnancy poses a significant risk to the neonate.
• Ketoconazole appears effective in treating disseminated blastomycosis with cutaneous involvement.