Temporal and spatial distribution of blastomycosis cases among humans and dogs in Illinois (2001–2007)

Abstract

The estimated annual incidence of blastomycosis in humans and dogs in Illinois increased during the period of interest. Veterinarians, physicians, and public health agencies should be encouraged to communicate with each other regarding diagnoses of blastomycosis in either species to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.

Incidence and Trends of Blastomycosis-Associated Hospitalizations in the United States

“…It could also indicate an increasing trend as our hospitalization incidence was within the range reported from a Medicare population from 1999–2008 [8]. In Illinois, we found an incidence slightly higher than what was reported for cases from the Illinois Department of Health records [5] but within the range reported from a Medicare population [8]. Blastomycosis incidence for Arkansas among persons ≥65 years was discussed in detail through letters to the editor in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases [25], [32].…”

“…Some previous epidemiologic reports suggest the possibility of an increasing incidence of blastomycosis cases [2], [5], [13], [24]. Additionally, recently reported incidences are frequently higher than those reported in previous decades for the same geographic area [8], [17]–[19], [25].…”

“…The epidemiologic features are poorly understood as the organism is difficult to culture from the environment [3] and disease reporting is only mandatory in limited states within the endemic area (AR, WI, MN, MS, LA, MI). Illinois ended mandatory reporting in 2008 [4], [5]. The organism exists in areas surrounding the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys and the Great Lakes, and southern parts of Canada [5]–[8].…”

“…Illinois ended mandatory reporting in 2008 [4], [5]. The organism exists in areas surrounding the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys and the Great Lakes, and southern parts of Canada [5]–[8]. The area of the endemic region is substantially greater than that of the six US states currently with mandatory reporting.…”

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

“…Serological tests were used to evaluate plague bacteria in rodents, dogs and cats in Brazil and dogs were used as sentinel animals of toxoplasmosis to monitor public health actions for the control of this zoonosis . Dogs are also considered important epidemiological markers of Blastomyces dermatitidis infection because they are more sensitive to disease development than humans . The objective of this study was to evaluate the infection of domestic rabbits by P. brasiliensis in an endemic area for PCM.…”