Microbiology

Name of disease

Coccidioidomycosis

Name of causative agent

Coccidioides immitis & Coccidioides posadasii

Category (fungus, etc.?)

Fungus

Multi- or uni- cellular?

Multi-cellular

Epidemiology

Geographic prevalence

Areas of high frequency: southwestern U.S., Arizona, San Joaquin Valley, California, southern New Mexico, and west Texas. Recent occurrences in south-central Washington state. (CDC, 2017)

Average rates of infection

2011- 42.6 % cases reported per 100,000 U.S. population in high epidemic areas. In 2015, 11,072 cases reported in U.S. (CDC, 2017)

At risk populations

Immunocompromised: HIV/AIDS, organ transplant & diabetes patients. The elderly (60-75) and pregnant women are highly susceptible. (CDC, 2017)

Reservoir

Soil- borne, found in arid-semi arid regions. Found in dust particles. If soil is disturbed in contaminated fungal areas, it can be airborne. (CDC, 2017)

Transmission mode

The fungus enters the body via inhalation of airborne spores. Enters through nasal or oral cavities during breathing. Direct transmission possible in extremely rare cases. (Fisher, et al., 2007)

Pathology

Major tissues/organs

Primarily seen in the respiratory system. Sometimes migrates to other body regions: skin, bones, liver, heart & meninges. (Lair, 2007)

Major signs/symptoms

Symptoms often mimic the flu. Fever, chills, fatigue, sore throat, night sweats, muscle or joint pain, rash on upper body or legs, coughing and pleuritic chest pain. Symptoms typically last for two weeks to a few months. Incubation period 1-3 weeks. (CDC, 2017)

Complications?

5-10 % of patients will develop serious or long-term complications including chronic pulmonary disease, respiratory distress, and respiratory failure. (CDC, 2017)

Treatment

Main treatment methods

Prior to 1950 no effective treatment existed. Currently, oral anti-fungal drugs administered the most popular are Fluconazole and Amphotericin B. There are no OTC medications available at this time. (Lair, 2007)

Typical length of treatment

Most often symptoms will dissipate on their own. If needed, Antifungal oral medication can take up to 3-6 months for a full recovery. In some cases of immunocompromised patients may need lifelong treatments. (Lair, 2007)

Prophylaxis?

No vaccine available. Immunocompromised people should avoid contact with soil and remain indoors during dust storms. Facemasks, and air filtration systems are preventative and provide protection. (Lair, 2007)

Interesting Fact?

Coccidioidomycosis affects many mammals including dogs and cats. However, it is not transmitted between animals to humans. ( Laniado-Laborin, 2007)