Talaromycosis is a condition that is caused by a fungus called Talaromyces marneffei. This kind of fungus only impacts those who live in or visit Southeast Asia, Southern China, or Eastern India. In most cases, healthy people will not be affected by exposure to this fungus. However, those with immune system issues or conditions like HIV/AIDs are much more susceptible to this type of fungal infection.
The common symptoms of this infection are:
For those who have HIV, this infection is more likely to be spread through the blood to all organs in the body. The most common areas of the body to be impacted by this type of infection are the lungs, liver, mouth, and the blood.
This condition is caused by exposure to the Talaromyces marneffei fungus. Infection begins when the spores from this fungus are breathed into the lungs or get into the body via a cut or break in the skin. Fungal spores are in the environment all around us, and when you travel to places where this fungus can be found, exposure to soil, unwashed fruit, and areas that are cold and damp can lead to infection.
The risk factors associated with contracting Talaromycosis are:
Talaromycosis is diagnosed by collecting small tissue samples from the body part that is likely to be infected with this fungus. A lab will culture the tissue and examine it under a microscope to confirm that Talaromycosis is the correct diagnosis. Samples from various organs might need to be collected to verify the presence of the fungus that causes this condition. Those who live in or have travelled to places where Talaromyces marneffei are present will be tested for this condition if they show any of the related symptoms in most cases.
Talaromycosis has to be treated with antifungal medicines. The most common treatment is amphotericin B which must be given via intravenous injection for two weeks at least. This is followed up in most cases by an oral medication protocol of another antifungal which might be itraconazole or voriconazole. These medications might not clear the infection with one round of treatment, so careful monitoring of patient symptoms and retesting is usually required.
Prevention of this fungal infection is easy in most cases. If you do not live in or are not going to travel to the parts of the world where it is present, you will be very unlikely to get Talaromycosis. For those who are going to be exposed to the mould that causes this health condition and who have a suppressed immune system, there are some steps that can be taken to prevent infection.
Make sure to wear a mask when working in the soil or when working in or visiting places that are damp. You should also be certain that you wash fruit before you eat it raw. Wash your hands before eating and be sure to cover up cuts or breaks in the skin. You cannot get this condition from another person who has it, so you do not need to take precautions if you are going to be around someone with Talaromycosis.