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Coccidioidomycosis

Coccidioidomycosis a respiratory infection, although generalized dissemination may occur. About 40% of people infected with this fungus develop symptoms. The infection spreads through the bloodstream and involves many organs. The primary form, due to inhalation of windborne spores, varies in severity from that of the common cold to symptoms resembling those of influenza. It is characterized by fever and various respiratory symptoms. The secondary form is a virulent and severe, chronic, progressive and granulomatous (a mass of nodular tissue resulting from inflammation, injury or infection) disease resulting in involvement of cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues, viscera, the central nervous system and lungs. Coccidioidomycosis is most prevalent during warm, dry months. Coccidioidomycosis is also known as valley fever and San Joaquin Valley fever.

Causes of Coccidioidmycosis

The common Causes of Coccidioidmycosis :

• Cryptococcus neoformans, the fungus that causes this disease, is ordinarily found in soil.
• Wound or cutaneous cryptococcosis
• Cryptococcal meningitis
• Pulmonary cryptococcosis

Symptoms of Coccidioidmycosis

Some Symptoms of Coccidioidmycosis :

• Loss of appetite
• Cough
• Night sweats
• Chills
• Meight loss
• Neck stiffness
• Illness with fever
• Chest pain
• Wheezing
• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Sensitivity to light

Treatment of Coccidioidmycosis

• Disseminated or severe disease should be treated with amphotericin B, ketoconazole fluconazole, or itraconazole.
• Acute primary coccidioidomycosis typically goes away without treatment, and recovery usually is complete.
• Bed rest and improved nutrition are recommended. Antifungal drugs are prescribed to treat the infection.
• Severe primary disease and dissemination, however, require longterm I.V. infusion.
• Patients with AIDS will also need long-term therapy, usually with oral fluconazole.
• Amphotericin B, with or without 5-flucytosine, is given for several weeks until the patient is stable.

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