Coccidioido-mycosis
Also known as valley fever and San Joaquin Valley fever, coccidioidomycosis is caused by the fungus Coccidioides immitis. It occurs primarily as a respiratory tract infection, although generalized dissemination may occur.
The primary pulmonary form is usually self-limiting and rarely fatal. The rare secondary (progressive, disseminated) form produces abscesses throughout the body and carries a mortality of up to 60%, even with treatment. Such dissemination is more common in dark-skinned men, pregnant women, and patients who are receiving an immunosuppressant.
Causes
Coccidioidomycosis is endemic to the southwestern United States, especially between the San Joaquin Valley in California and southwestern Texas. It’s also found in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina, and Paraguay.
It may result from inhalation of C. immitis spores found in the soil in these areas or from inhalation of spores from dressings or plaster casts of infected persons. It’s most prevalent during warm, dry months.
Because of population distribution and an occupational link (it’s common in migrant farm laborers), coccidioidomycosis generally affects Filipino Americans, Mexican Americans, Native Americans, and Blacks. With primary infection, the incubation period is from 1 to 4 weeks.
Signs and symptoms
Chronic pulmonary cavitation can occur with both the primary and the disseminated forms of coccidioidomycosis,
causing hemoptysis with or without chest pain. Other signs and symptoms vary with the form of the disease.
causing hemoptysis with or without chest pain. Other signs and symptoms vary with the form of the disease.
Primary coccidioidomycosis
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
