PULMONARY BLASTOMYCOSIS WITH ACUTE RESPIRATORY-FAILURE AS PREDOMINANTCLINICAL-FEATURE

Two previously healthy young adults: came to our community hospital wi th rapidly progressive respiratory failure. Investigation confirmed Bl astomyces as the responsible etiologic agent, Despite adequate antifun gal chemotherapy and intensive supportive care, both patients died, on e within 24 hours and the other after 14 days, Overwhelming infection with Blastomyces dermatitidis can cause acute respiratory failure, pos sibly the adult respiratory distress syndrome, even in immunocompetent hosts.