Beyond the superficial:<i>Coccidioides immitis</i>fungaemia in a man with fever, fatigue and skin nodules: a case of an emerging and evolving pathogen

Langelier, Charles; Baxi, Sanjiv M.; Iribarne, Daniela; Chin‐Hong, Peter

doi:10.1136/bcr-2014-205333

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 37 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…CSF and pleural cultures have low sensitivity [ 96 , 104 ]. Similarly, cultures of the blood are rarely positive, but case reports have described Coccidioides being isolated from the blood [ 107 ]. Fungal cultures of infected tissues (skin, bone, or joint fluid) have higher yield.…”

Section: Diagnosismentioning

confidence: 99%

Coccidioidomycosis: A Contemporary Review

Crum

2022

Infect Dis Ther

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Coccidioidomycosis, colloquially known as Valley Fever, is an invasive dimorphic fungal infection caused by Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii. The fungi are found in the arid desert soils of the southwestern US, as well as in parts of Mexico and Central and South America. Acquisition is typically via inhalation of arthroconidia which become airborne after both natural (e.g., earthquakes, dust storms, and fires) and human-related events (e.g., military maneuvers, recreational activities, agriculture, and construction). The incidence of infection in increasing likely a result of both climatic and populational changes. Further, the recognized geographic distribution of Coccidioides spp. is expanding, as cases are being diagnosed in new areas (e.g., eastern Washington, Oregon, and Utah). Most coccidioidal infections are asymptomatic (60%); however, approximately one-third develop a pulmonary illness which is a leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia in highly endemic areas. Uncommonly (0.5–2% of cases), the infection disseminates to extrapulmonary locations (e.g., skin, bones/joints, and the central nervous system), and is most commonly seen among persons with cellular immunodeficiencies (e.g., transplant recipients, HIV, and pregnancy) and non-Caucasian races (especially African Americans and Filipinos). The diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis requires astute clinical suspicion and laboratory findings, including positive serology, cultures, and/or histopathology results. Treatment is warranted among persons with pneumonia who have risk factors for complicated disease and among those with extrapulmonary disease. Novel antifungals with improved fungicidal activity and rapidity of action with fewer side effects and drug interactions are needed. Preventive strategies (e.g., education regarding the disease, dust avoidance, mask wearing, including among select groups, antifungal prophylaxis, and surveillance laboratory testing) are advised for residents and travelers to endemic areas. Currently, no preventive vaccine is available. Coccidioidomycosis has been recognized for over a century, and an expanding wealth of knowledge has been gained regarding this emerging infectious disease which will be reviewed here.

show abstract

Section: Diagnosismentioning

confidence: 99%