The importance of skin exam in chronic pulmonary blastomycosis

Cutaneous blastomycosis is the most common extrapulmonary manifestation of disseminated blastomycosis, a disease caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis, a dimorphic fungus endemic of North America. Initially, the organism enters the respiratory system by inhalation of the infectious conidia and produces an acute pulmonary infection that may eventually disseminate if it is left untreated. Blastomycosis may represent a diagnostic challenge and its definitive diagnosis requires direct visualization of the distinctive yeast or a positive fungal culture. The objective of this case report is to highlight the importance of the skin exam and tissue biopsy in the diagnosis of blastomycosis. We present a previously healthy patient with chronic pneumonia, evaluated at Pulmonary clinic with non-diagnostic thoracentesis and bronchoscopy, found to have disseminated blastomycosis after biopsy of a scalp lesion in Dermatology clinic

DNA Barcoding and Its Applications: A Review

The use of DNA sequences has revolutionized biological classification, specifically through the utilization of the DNA barcode technique, which involves amplifying a standardized DNA fragment for the identification of plant and animal species. The methods and techniques involved in DNA barcoding are introduced and visualized in the paper. As incorporated in various applications in diverse fields, a comprehensive discussion on DNA barcoding is presented, highlighting its relevance and use in species identification and discovery. Furthermore, we explore its different roles, ranging from biodiversity assessment and conservation to food safety, forensic science, biosecurity, and public health. We also introduce the current limitations of the technique and its potential use in future applications of genetics-based discoveries