A case of disseminated blastomycosis in New England

Abstract

Blastomyces infections are classified as dimorphic fungal infections commonly seen geographically throughout the Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys, St. Laurence Seaways, as well as the Canadian providences of Ontario Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Although primarily endemic in the Midwestern United States, there has been a rise in cases throughout New England. Factors that could contribute to this rise of blastomycosis include a changing climate, increasing use of immunosuppressive medications as well as a greater recognition of this disease. Initial presentation of blastomycosis follows the inhalation of fungal spores which can cause flu-like symptoms or mimic acute pneumonia. Blastomycosis can also present as a disseminated infection through extrapulmonary spread in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent hosts and cases present at similar rates within the population. Here we present a case of disseminated blastomycosis in a patient from New England with no reported pre-existing risk factors. The patient developed blastomycosis osteomyelitis in the left elbow which prompted surgical intervention as well as a 12-month regimen of voriconazole therapy. This case outlines the need to adopt better surveillance practices for blastomycosis in non-endemic areas as well as highlights the imperative role of healthcare staff in implementing proper reporting measures to track the spread of blastomycosis.