Coccidioidomycosis: A Review
Royce H. Johnson, Rupam Sharma, Rasha Kuran, Isabel Fong, Arash Heidari
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection of the Western hemisphere that is endemic to the soil in areas with limited rainfall. Human and animal infections result with inhalation of arthroconidia. Most often, this is an asymptomatic event. When illness occurs, it is primarily a pneumonic presentation. A small minority of infections eventuate in disseminated disease. Predominately, this presents as meningitis or osteoarticular or integumentary disease. Treatment may not be required for the mildest illness. Azoles are commonly prescribed. Severe infections may require amphotericin B.
Topics & Concepts
AsymptomaticMedicineIntegumentary systemDiseaseMeningitisAmphotericin BIntensive care medicineImmunologyDermatologyPathologyPediatricsAntifungalFungal Infections and StudiesAntifungal resistance and susceptibilityPneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia detection and treatment