| Subject | Contents |
| 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. |
| Alternative Names | Systemic coccidioidomycosis |
| Causes, incidence, and 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. |
| Symptoms | coughfever chills headachemuscle stiffness muscle achesneck stiffness or shoulder stiffnesschange in mental statussensitivity to light Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease: joint swellingjoint pain skin reaction (erythema nodosum) arthritisankle, feet, and leg swelling |
| Signs and tests | sputum smear (KOH test)sputum culture serum coccidioides complement fixation titer coccidioidin skin test CBC with differentialchest X-raybiopsy of tissue in area of disseminated disease bone marrow biopsyliver biopsyopen lung biopsyskin lesion biopsy changes in neurological examination |
| Treatment | Bed rest and supportive treatment, especially improved nutrition, are indicated. Antifungal medications are prescribed to treat the infection. |
| Support Groups | |
| Expectations (prognosis) | People with disseminated disease have a high death rate. The course may be rapid for immunosuppressed patients. |
| Complications | This can be a fatal disorder. |
| Calling your health care provider | Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of disseminated coccidioidomycosis develop. |
| Prevention | General maintenance of good health will limit the disease to a benign pulmonary form. Prevention of AIDS or other causes of impaired immune system will generally prevent the more severe forms of the disease. |
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