Research Keyword: antigen testing

A case of Blastomyces helicus pneumonia in a dog from a non-endemic region: diagnostic challenges and successful treatment outcome

A dog from Colorado developed a severe respiratory infection that was initially mistaken for a bacterial pneumonia. After antibiotics failed to help, advanced testing revealed the dog had a fungal infection caused by Blastomyces helicus, a rare fungus found in western North America. The dog was successfully treated with an antifungal medication called itraconazole and made a complete recovery within six months, demonstrating the importance of considering fungal infections when standard treatments fail.

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Photo Quiz: A cutaneous fungal infection with discordant biomarker results—a diagnostic challenge

A woman with advanced HIV infection presented with skin sores and respiratory symptoms that were initially suspected to be a viral infection. Testing revealed she had histoplasmosis, a serious fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum that had spread throughout her body affecting her skin, lungs, and lymph nodes. While standard tests for this fungus were negative, other fungal markers and cultures eventually confirmed the diagnosis, and she was treated with antifungal medications.

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A case of Blastomyces helicus pneumonia in a dog from a non-endemic region: diagnostic challenges and successful treatment outcome

A dog developed severe pneumonia from an emerging fungal infection called Blastomyces helicus after traveling to Utah and Idaho. Initial blood tests incorrectly suggested a different fungus, but laboratory culture and genetic testing identified the true culprit. The dog was successfully treated with an antifungal medication called itraconazole and made a complete recovery with careful monitoring over 6 months.

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