RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Novel cases of blastomycosis acquired in Toronto, Ontario
JF Canadian Medical Association Journal
JO CMAJ
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP 1309
OP 1312
VO 163
IS 10
A1 Robert S. Lester
A1 Joel G. DeKoven
A1 Julius Kane
A1 Andrew E. Simor
A1 Sigmund Krajden
A1 Richard C. Summerbell
YR 2000
UL http://www.cmaj.ca/content/163/10/1309.abstract
AB BLASTOMYCOSIS, A POTENTIALLY FATAL FUNGAL DISEASE, is well known from defined areas of endemicity in Ontario, primarily in the northern part of the province. We present 2 unusual cases that appear to extend the area of endemicity into urban southern Ontario, specifically Toronto. Both patients presented to a dermatology clinic with skin lesions. Chest radiography, history and general physical evaluation indicated no disease at other body sites. Both cases appeared to represent “inoculation blastomycosis” connected with minor gardening injuries and a cat scratch respectively. Atypical dissemination could not be completely excluded in either case. Neither patient had travelled recently to a known area of high endemicity for blastomycosis, nor had the cat that was involved in one of the cases. Physicians must become aware that blastomycosis may mimic other diseases, including dermal infections, and may occur in patients whose travel histories would not normally suggest this infection.