Sketchy Micro: Blastomycosis Flashcards Preview

MS2 - USMLE Step 1: Part 2 > Sketchy Micro: Blastomycosis > Flashcards

Flashcards in Sketchy Micro: Blastomycosis Deck (10)
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1
Q

Where is the geographic distribution of Blastomycosis?

A

Typically the southeastern U.S. and Great Lakes region.

Remember that this scene takes place in a Civil War battlefield in a valley like the Ohio River Valley.

2
Q

Blastomycosis is a ________ fungi.

A

dimorphic (like the dimorphic butterfly)

3
Q

To help you associate the name of this fungus with the scene, what is this Sketch called?

A

“BLAST O’ the cannons”

4
Q

How is Blastomycosis transmitted?

A

By inhalation of aerosolized spores (like how the cannons are shooting spore-like balls that are causing smoke to rise in the distance; also, the cannon soldier is coughing)

5
Q

How does Blastomycosis divide?

A

By broad-based budding (like the two cannon balls that the soldier is holding)

6
Q

Blastomycosis are much larger than ____________.

A

Histoplasma; Histoplasma are said to be much smaller than RBCs, while Blastomycosis is about as big as RBCs

(Think of the large cannonballs.)

7
Q

What pattern of lung disease does Blastomycosis cause in immunocompetent individuals?

A

Cavitary lesions with hazy surrounding infiltrate (like the cannonballs that have landed in the valley and caused craters in the land that look like lungs with smoke arising from the impact site)

8
Q

What body parts will Blastomycosis invade in the immunocompromised?

A

Skin (causing ulcerations) and bones (causing osteomyelitis)

(Think of the statue of Robert E. Lee with holes in his skin and the cane by his side; also, he has a rod in his leg exposed which is meant to represent osteomyelitis.)

9
Q

How can you diagnose Blastomycosis?

A

With a urine antigen test (like the yellow river in the valley)

10
Q

What two treatments are given for Blastomycosis infections?

A
  • Itraconazole for immune-competent patients (like the healthy coughing soldier)
  • Amphotericin B for immunosuppressed patients (like the frogs on Robert E. Lee)

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