Blastomyces and Blastomycosis

The Blastomyces species complex causes blastomycosis, which is an invasive fungal infection that infects humans and animals. The defining biologic feature of Blastomyces is the ability to reversibly switch between hyphal (22–25°C) and yeast (37°C) forms in response to temperature. Blastomyces typically causes pulmonary, skin, and bone infections in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. Diagnosis of blastomycosis is challenging because it mimics other infections. Treatment involves 6–12 months of antifungal drug therapy. Advances in the laboratory regarding pathogenesis and host immune responses are beginning to enter the clinical realm.