Introduction
Fusarium is a group of soil-borne fungi that can cause disease in humans and animals. Fusariosis is the infection caused by any one of the species of Fusarium. Human infections caused by Fusarium species include superficial ones like keratitis and onychomycosis as well as locally invasive and disseminated infections. While this condition is not common, fusariosis can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. This article will look at what fusariosis is, the risk factors for contracting it, its symptoms, and how to prevent it.
What Is Fusariosis?
Fusariosis is a rare fungal infection caused by various aspects of the Fusarium. These molds thrive in humid environments, such as wet soil or areas that are prone to flooding. People with poor immune systems or who are suffering from medical conditions that compromise their natural defenses are at risk of contracting fusariosis. Although the overall mortality rate was 37 %, disseminated fusariosis had a mortality rate as high as 83 %.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Fusariosis?
The first symptoms of fusariosis are nonspecific. Symptoms may not appear for up to six months after exposure to Fusarium. If any symptoms appear, they may include fever, chills, headache, and a cough. After a few days abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea may appear.
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Rashes: Skin rashes are a common symptom of fusariosis. The rash usually appears on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Skin rashes can sometimes look like red patches, blisters, sores, or bumps. Skin rashes are often mistaken for eczema, psoriasis, or other skin infections.
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Eye Infections - A fusariosis infection in the eyes can cause eye pain, redness, blurry vision, and discharge of pus from the eyes. In rare cases, an eye infection may cause blindness.
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Lung Infections - A lung infection caused by fusariosis can lead to a cough, chest pain, chest congestion, fever, and shortness of breath.
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Brain Infections - A brain infection caused by fusariosis can cause headaches, general body weakness, difficulty walking, confusion, and hallucinations.
What Are the Causes of Fusariosis?
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Direct Exposure to Soil - Direct exposure to soil is one of the most common ways that people contract fusariosis. People who work in the soil, especially in tropical regions, are at a high risk of exposure to this fungus. Farmers, gardeners, landscapers, and agricultural workers are at a higher risk of contracting fusariosis.
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Contaminated Food - Eating food that has come in contact with contaminated soil and is not cleaned properly can cause fusariosis. In this way, the soil can spread to the food. People who consume this contaminated food may develop fusariosis.
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Touching or Inhaling Spores - Fusariosis spores can be found in soil and come into contact with humans through direct or indirect exposure to soil. People who wear dirty gloves while gardening or who do not wash their hands after handling soil are at a higher risk of developing a fusariosis infection.
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Living In or Visiting Areas Where Fusariosis is Common - Areas where fusariosis is common to include tropical and subtropical regions, tropical and temperate climates, and warmer areas of the northern hemisphere. People who travel to these areas or live in them are at a higher risk of developing a fusariosis infection.
How to Protect Oneself From Fusariosis?
Fusariosis cannot be prevented by any vaccinations or medications.
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Practice Good Hygiene Practices - Preventing skin rashes, eye infections, and lung infections is the best way to protect yourself from a fusariosis infection. Practice good hygiene by washing your hands regularly, keeping nails clean and trimmed, and wearing clean clothes.
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Avoid Direct Contact With Soil - If working in the soil, wear protective gear like gloves and goggles to prevent direct soil contact. Avoid garden or farm work if one is especially susceptible to soil-borne diseases. Clean all food that comes in touch with soil before eating or cooking with it.
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Avoid Exposure - Avoid living in areas where fusariosis is common, and try to avoid direct contact with soil as much as possible. Wear gloves and protective clothing when gardening, and try to clean foods that came from the soil before eating them.
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Avoid Smoking Tobacco Products - Tobacco harbors spores and can be an additional source of infection.
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Others - Reduce indoor humidity, as high levels of humidity can increase the risk of infection.
What Are the Risk Factors for Contracting Fusariosis?
Because Fusarium species are so widespread, humans and animals are constantly exposed to fungi. In many cases, our body's natural immune system can fight off the infection before it becomes a problem. The risk factors for contracting fusariosis include:
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Having a weakened immune system. This could be caused by an underlying medical condition or as a result of receiving medical treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
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Having compromised pulmonary function, such as breathing difficulties due to asthma, or chronic obstructive function, such as breathing difficulties due to asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
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Having diabetes, especially if it is poorly controlled.
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Working in certain careers in which there is exposure to dirt or dust, such as agriculture or gardening.
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Living in regions of the world where the fungus is endemic.
What Is the Treatment for Fusariosis?
The treatment for fusariosis is usually just supportive care. The treatment may include a combination of rest, medication, and surgery depending on the intensity of the symptoms. You may be given antibiotics that are taken by mouth or by injection to treat an infection while your immune system fights the fungus. Corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation. One will be instructed to avoid places that may be contaminated with spores, such as soil and sawdust. In severe cases, patients affected with fusariosis may need to be hospitalized for treatment.
Conclusion
Anyone who is at risk of contracting the disease should take precautions to reduce the risk of exposure. There are specific symptoms to consider if we think we might have fusariosis. If anyone is suffering from these symptoms, it is essential to visit a doctor as soon as possible. Fusariosis is a rare disease, but if left untreated it can be fatal.
