| Emmonsiosis | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Emergomycosis[1] |
| Specialty | Infectious diseases[2] |
| Symptoms | Skin rash[2] |
| Causes | Emergomyces, previously classified under genus Emmonsia[3] |
| Risk factors | HIV, organ transplant, steroid use.[1] |
| Diagnostic method | skin biopsy, histopathology[1] |
| Differential diagnosis | Histoplasmosis[1] |
| Treatment | Antifungals |
| Medication | Amphotericin B[1] |
| Frequency | Rare[1] |
Emmonsiosis, also known as emergomycosis, is a systemic fungal infection that can affect the lungs, generally always affects the skin and can become widespread.[1][2] The lesions in the skin look like small red bumps and patches with a dip, ulcer and dead tissue in the centre.[4]
It is caused by the Emergomyces species, a novel dimorphic fungus, previously classified under the genus Emmonsia.[3] These fungi are found in soil and transmitted by breathing in its spores from the air.[1] Inside the body it converts to yeast-like cells which then cause disease and invade beyond the lungs.[1] Diagnosis is by skin biopsy and its appearance under the microscope.[5] It is difficult to distinguish from histoplasmosis.[3][6] Treatment is usually with amphotericin B.[3]
Emmonsiosis can be fatal.[3] The disseminated type is more prevalent in South Africa, particularly in people with HIV.[3]
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