Coccidioidomycosis; disseminated

Definition:

A disease caused by breathing in a fungus (Coccidioides immitis) found in the soil in certain parts of the southwestern U.S., Mexico, and Central and South America that spreads through the blood stream to involve many organs.

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. Progressive disease is more common in blacks, Filipinos and Mexicans. Immunodeficient (immunosuppressed) people, including those with HIV infection, and pregnant women of any race are more prone to dissemination. Recent travel to or residence in southwestern deserts of U.S. is a risk factor. The incidence of disseminated disease is 1 out of 1,000,000 people.

Updated Date: 02/09/00

Updated By:J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial