Coccidioidomycosis

Question 1

What’s the causative agent of coccidioidomycosis?

Answer 1

Coccidioides immitis

Question 2

What is the geographic distribution of coccidioidomycosis?

Answer 2

• Southwestern USA (California, Texas)
• Mexico
• South America

Arid and semi-arid areas

Question 3

How is coccidioidomycosis infection acquired?

Answer 3

Inhalation of contaminated soil

Question 4

What are clinical clues to coccidioidomycosis infection?

Answer 4

Coccidoidomycosis
* Influenza-like illness
* Fevers
* Chills
* Rash
* Erythema nodosum
* Joint-pain
* Travel to or location in endemic area

Question 5

How is coccidioidomycosis diagnosed?

Answer 5

• Serology, biopsy, or culture of body fluid
• Microscopic examination of fluid

Question 6

What is the treatment for coccidioidomycosis?

Answer 6

• Uncomplicated Primary coccidioidomycosis pneumonia often resolves on its own and does not require treatment
• Treatment focuses on severe or disseminated disease
• Amphotericin B for severe pulmonary disease and pregnant women as -azoles are teratogenic and pregnant women often require treatment
• Fluconazole if meningitis
• Other -azoles for non-meningitic