Coccicioides immitis and posadasii Flashcards
what is the key virulence factor for C. immitis and C. psadasii?
estrogen-binding proteins
-steroid hormones accelerate growth and maturation of spherules
what geographical area is predisposed to C. immitis?
American SW
what gender is more at risk for Coccidioides infx?
males
which group of females is at risk for coccidioides infx?
pregnant women, especially third trimester
what is the seasonality for coccidioides infx?
summer
what skin test will be positive in coccidioides patient, even if they are asymptomatic?
spherulin skin test
what are cutaneous manifestations of coccidioides?
maculopapular rash (esp. young patient) erythema
what is the desert rheumatism triad?
fever/conjunctivitis
erythema
arthralgia
the presence of what thing in tissue sample micro exam is diagnostic for coccidioides?
presence of spherules
what lab tests are used to identify coccidioides infx?
IgM/IgG titers
spherulin DTH test (dissem. pts often neg)
what is the treatment for coccidioides infx?
amphotericin B lipid formulations
oral itraconazol
how is coccidioides prevented?
coccidioides infx cannot be prevented
