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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Diseases & Conditions > Coccidioidomycosis

Coccidioidomycosis

Provided by A.D.A.M.

Definition

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Symptoms & Signs

Prevention

Diagnosis & Tests

Treatment

Expectations or Prognosis

Complications

Calling Your Health Care Provider

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Alternate Names : Coccidiosis, San Joaquin Valley Fever, Valley Fever


Definition

Coccidiodomycosis is a disease caused by the spores of the fungus, Coccidioides immitis.

Pictures & Images

Coccidioidomycosis - Chest X-Ray
Coccidioidomycosis - Chest X-Ray

Pulmonary Nodule - Front View Chest X-Ray
Pulmonary Nodule - Front View Chest X-Ray

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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Infection is caused by inhalation of the spores of the fungus, Coccidioides immitis, which is often found in desert regions. About 60% of infections cause no symptoms and are only recognized later by a positive coccidioidin skin test.

In the remaining 40% of cases, symptoms range from mild to severe. People with a compromised immune system tend to have more serious infections. Individuals with AIDS are at higher risk for pulmonary (lung) coccidioidomycosis, as well as for the disseminated (spread to many body systems) and cutaneous (skin) forms of the disease.

The disease can have an acute, chronic, or disseminated form. Acute pulmonary coccidioidomycosis is almost always mild, with few or no symptoms, and resolves without treatment. The incubation period is 7 to 21 days.

Acute coccidioidomycosis is rare. In any given year, about 3% of people who live in an area where coccidiomycosis is commonly seen will develop the disease.

Chronic pulmonary coccidioidomycosis can develop 20 or more years after initial infection which may not have been recognized, diagnosed, or treated at the time. Infections (lung abscesses) can form and rupture releasing pus (empyema) between the lungs and ribs (pleural space). This disorder is even less common than the acute form, however.

In disseminated disease, spread 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. The course of the disease may be rapid for immunosuppressed patients.



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Definition
Coccidioidomycosis Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Coccidioidomycosis Symptoms & Signs
Coccidioidomycosis Prevention
Coccidioidomycosis Diagnosis & Tests
Coccidioidomycosis Treatment
Coccidioidomycosis Prognosis
Coccidioidomycosis Complications
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Pictures & Images

Topics that might be of interest to you

Diseases & Conditions

Abscess
AIDS
Arthritis
Coccidioidomycosis - Acute Pulmonary
Coccidioidomycosis - Chronic Pulmonary
Coccidioidomycosis - Disseminated
Empyema
Erythema Nodosum
Immunodeficiency Disorders
Meningitis
Pleural Effusion
Skin Lesion of Coccidioidomycosis
The Flu

Tests & Exams

Blood Differential
CBC
Chest X-Ray
Coccidioides Complement Fixation
Coccidioidin or Spherulin Skin Test
Eosinophil Count - Absolute
Routine Sputum Culture
Sputum Smear (KOH Test)

Other Topics

Appetite - Decreased
Benign
Chest Pain
Confusion
Cough
Fever
Foot, Leg, and Ankle Swelling
Headache
Joint Pain
Joint Swelling
Muscle Aches
Muscle Cramps
Rashes
Spores
Sweating - Excessive
Titer
Vision - Light Sensitive
Weight Loss - Unintentional
Wheezing

Review Date : 9/5/2002
Reviewed By : Donna R. Cooper, MD, MPH. Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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Page Last Updated: 09 May, 2008