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Coccidioidomycosis - Disseminated
Alternate Names : Systemic Coccidioidomycosis
Definition A disease caused by breathing in a fungus (Coccidioides immitis) found in the soil in certain parts of the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central and South America that spreads through the bloodstream to involve many organs.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
This is caused by breathing in the spores of a fungus in desert regions. About 60% of acute infections cause no symptoms and are only recognized by a positive coccidioidin skin test. In the remaining 40%, symptoms range from mild to severe.
In disseminated disease, extension of infection to the bones, lungs, liver, meninges, brain, skin, heart, and pericardium (sac around the heart) may take place.
Meningitis occurs in 30% to 50% of cases of disseminated disease. Immunodeficient (immunosuppressed) people, including those with HIV infection, diabetics, and pregnant women of any race are more prone to dissemination. Recent travel to or residence in southwestern deserts of the United States is a risk factor.
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• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Prevention
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• AIDS
• Arthritis
• HIV Infection
• Immunodeficiency Disorders
• Meningitis
Tests & Exams
• Biopsy
• Blood Differential
• Bone Marrow Biopsy
• CBC
• Chest X-Ray
• Coccidioides Complement Fixation
• Coccidioidin or Spherulin Skin Test
• Liver Biopsy
• Open Lung Biopsy
• Routine Sputum Culture
• Skin Lesion Biopsy
• Sputum Smear (KOH Test)
Other Topics
• Acute
• Benign
• Confusion
• Cough
• Fever
• Foot, Leg, and Ankle Swelling
• Headache
• Joint Pain
• Joint Swelling
• Muscle Aches
• Muscle Cramps
• Spores
• Titer
• Vision - Light Sensitive
Review Date : 2/27/2002
Reviewed By : Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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