Disseminated Blastomycosis Infection in an Immunocompetent Patient

Blastomycosis is a systemic pyogranulomatous infection that primarily involves the lungs and often results in asymptomatic lung infections. In some cases, however, the fungus can lead to acute or chronic pneumonia. Rarely, hematogenous spread can occur, with the most common extrapulmonary manifestations including skin, bone, and genitourinary involvement. We present a case of a 20-year-old male patient with no significant past medical history who presented with lower extremity pain and difficulty walking. After an extensive work-up, the patient was found to have disseminated blastomycosis with bone and skin involvement. The patient’s age and immunocompetent status make this case particularly puzzling and highlight the need for healthcare providers to remain vigilant regarding fungal diseases, especially in endemic areas.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2026-03-04
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.104679
Primary Topic
Fungal Infections and Studies
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Disseminated Blastomycosis Infection in an Immunocompetent Patient

Gautham Chitturu, Mario Tavakoli
Cureus
Fungal Infections and Studies
article

Disseminated Blastomycosis Infection in an Immunocompetent Patient

Gautham Chitturu, Mario Tavakoli
article en

Abstract

Blastomycosis is a systemic pyogranulomatous infection that primarily involves the lungs and often results in asymptomatic lung infections. In some cases, however, the fungus can lead to acute or chronic pneumonia. Rarely, hematogenous spread can occur, with the most common extrapulmonary manifestations including skin, bone, and genitourinary involvement. We present a case of a 20-year-old male patient with no significant past medical history who presented with lower extremity pain and difficulty walking. After an extensive work-up, the patient was found to have disseminated blastomycosis with bone and skin involvement. The patient’s age and immunocompetent status make this case particularly puzzling and highlight the need for healthcare providers to remain vigilant regarding fungal diseases, especially in endemic areas.

Cureus
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Openalex Percentile: Top 35%
Fungal Infections and Studies
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