BLASTOMYCOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Blastomycosis is a fungal infection caused by the inhalation of the spores of the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis. It primarily affects the lungs but can potentially spread to other parts of the body, including the skin, bones, and genitourinary system.
The disease is commonly found in areas with moist soil, such as certain regions of North America, Africa, and Central and South America. Individuals who spend a significant amount of time outdoors, particularly in areas near bodies of water or in wooded areas, are at a higher risk of contracting blastomycosis.
Symptoms of blastomycosis can vary but commonly include fever, cough, chest pain, fatigue, and muscle aches. In severe cases, the infection can lead to pneumonia, skin lesions, bone and joint pain, and can even affect the nervous system, causing headaches and confusion.
Diagnosing blastomycosis typically involves analyzing respiratory samples, such as sputum or lung tissue, for the presence of the Blastomyces fungus. Treatment often involves the use of antifungal medications, such as itraconazole or amphotericin B. The duration of treatment can range from several months to a year, depending on the severity of the infection and the individual's response to therapy.
While blastomycosis can cause severe illness, it is not contagious and cannot spread from person to person. However, it is important to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms suggestive of blastomycosis develop in order to receive appropriate treatment and prevent complications.
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A disease caused by the presence and growth of blastomycetes in the tissues; it may be generalized or confined to the skin. The general symptoms are anorexia, emaciation, prostration, cough, an irregular temperature, weak and rapid pulse, multiple subcutaneous nodules which suppurate and form ulcers. The cutaneous form (blastomycetic dermatitis) is marked by the presence of elevated patches of varying size, presenting a verrucous surface sometimes discharging pus or crusted.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BLASTOMYCOSIS
- vlastomycosis
- nlastomycosis
- hlastomycosis
- glastomycosis
- bkastomycosis
- bpastomycosis
- boastomycosis
- blzstomycosis
- blsstomycosis
- blwstomycosis
- blqstomycosis
- blaatomycosis
- blaztomycosis
- blaxtomycosis
- bladtomycosis
- blaetomycosis
- blawtomycosis
- blasromycosis
- blasfomycosis
Etymology of BLASTOMYCOSIS
The word "blastomycosis" is composed of two parts: "blasto-" and "-mycosis".
The first part, "blasto-", is derived from the Greek word "blastos" (βλαστός) meaning "germ" or "bud". In medical terminology, it is used to refer to cells involved in early stages of embryonic development or in the formation of tumors or blastocysts.
The second part, "-mycosis", comes from the Greek word "mykes" (μύκης) which means "fungus". The suffix "-mycosis" is used in medical terminology to indicate a fungal infection or a disease caused by fungi.
Therefore, combining both parts, "blastomycosis" can be understood as a disease or infection caused by a certain type of fungus, possibly associated with early developmental stages or fungal growth.
Similar spelling words for BLASTOMYCOSIS
- blastodermatic,
- blastomeric,
- blastocyte,
- blastomere,
- blastocoele,
- blue story,
- blastoderm,
- blastocele,
- blastomycotic,
- blastomyces,
- blastogenesis,
- blastosphere,
- blastocoel,
- blastodisc,
- blastodermic,
- blastomycete,
- blastospheric,
- blastopore,
- blastoporic,
- blastoporal,
- blastocyst.
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