Etiologic agent =
Blastomyces dermatitidis
Geographic
distribution: Blastomyces dermatitidis is primarily
localized to the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys (midwestern
and southeastern U.S. [NC]). However, a recent report of clusters
of cases in New York State highlights the fact that, where local
environmental conditions are favorable (moist, acidic soil; proximity to waterways;
beaver activity or other sources of rotting wood), pockets
of the organism may exist in other regions of the country.