Emmonsiosis
Emmonsiosis, also known as emergomycosis, is a systemic fungal infection that can affect the lungs, generally always affects the skin and can become widespread. The lesions in the skin look like small red bumps and patches with a dip, ulcer and dead tissue in the centre.
| Emmonsiosis | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Emergomycosis |
| Specialty | Infectious diseases |
| Symptoms | Skin rash |
| Causes | Emergomyces, previously classified under genus Emmonsia |
| Risk factors | HIV, organ transplant, steroid use. |
| Diagnostic method | skin biopsy, histopathology |
| Differential diagnosis | Histoplasmosis |
| Treatment | Antifungals |
| Medication | Amphotericin B |
| Frequency | Rare |
It is caused by the Emergomyces species, a novel dimorphic fungus, previously classified under the genus Emmonsia. These fungi are found in soil and transmitted by breathing in its spores from the air. Inside the body it converts to yeast-like cells which then cause disease and invade beyond the lungs. Diagnosis is by skin biopsy and its appearance under the microscope. It is difficult to distinguish from histoplasmosis. Treatment is usually with amphotericin B.
Emmonsiosis can be fatal. The disseminated type is more prevalent in South Africa, particularly in people with HIV.