Contributor: Gordon K. Klintworth
Blastomycosis (North American blastomycosis) is a fungal infection due to Blastomyces dermatitidis. Unlike most fungal infections, Blastomyces dermatitidis is capable of producing disease in the non-immunocompromised host. In tissue, the fungus assumes a yeast-like structure and the organisms are surrounded by granulomatous inflammation. A primary infection of the conjunctiva is rare and the resultant ulcerative conjunctivitis is usually secondary to a lesion of the skin of the face and eyelid. When the bulbar conjunctiva is affected the superficial lesions resemble Bitot spots. A corneal infection [keratitis - fungal] may occur and blood borne organisms can produce an endophthalmitis [endophthalmitis - fungal].