Blastomycosis (Gilchrist's) Skin Test
Norm of Blastomycosis (Gilchrist's) Skin Test
Negative.
Usage of Blastomycosis (Gilchrist's) Skin Test
Diagnosis of Blastomyces dermatitidis.
Description of Blastomycosis (Gilchrist's) Skin Test
Blastomycosis, a chronic granulomatous and suppurative fungal disease of the lungs and skin, occurs primarily in 20- to 40-year-old males in rural areas throughout the world. There is no evidence of transmission from one client to another, and there is usually no epidemic. The mode of transmission is believed to be inhalation of spores from soil. The spores then disseminate by invading the blood and lymphatic systems. Blastomycosis skin lesions may be erythematous nodes or papular lesions, which can break down, ulcerate, drain, and spread. ARDS can develop from pulmonary blastomycosis and has a death rate of 89%.
Professional Considerations of Blastomycosis (Gilchrist's) Skin Test
Consent form NOT required.
Preparation
- Obtain a sterile container for the biopsy specimen.
Procedure
- Using a sterile technique, a biopsy specimen is taken from the periphery of a skin lesion where pus and yeast cells are found. A wet mount of the specimen shows broadly attached buds on thick-walled cells.
Postprocedure Care
- Apply a dry, sterile dressing to the site if bleeding occurs.
Client and Family Teaching
- Report signs of infection at the biopsy site to the physician: increasing pain, redness, swelling, purulent drainage, or temperature >101 degrees F (>38.3 degrees C).
- Results are normally available within 72 hours.
Factors That Affect Results
- Treatment with amphotericin B may cause false-negative results.
Other Data
- Blastomycosis is a general term used in parts of the world to refer to any infection caused by budding yeasts in the tissue.
- Endemic areas in the United States include northeast Tennessee, Vilas County (Wisconsin), Mississippi, and the Ohio River valley.
