Coccidiomycosis is a fungal disease caused by Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii. Infection is caused by inhalation of the fungal spores. It is not transmitted from person to person. The disease usually causes flu-like symptoms. Complications include severe pneumonia, lung nodules and disseminated disease. The disseminated disease can be fatal causing carditis and meningitis. It can be diagnosed by microsopy of body fluids, exudates, sputum and biopsy-tissue. PCR may be used to amplify fungal antigens. Treatment is by antifungals e.g. fluconazole or intravenous amphotericin B.
From the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Coccidioidomycosis
Technical information on coccidioidomycosis
From Dr. Fungus
Coccidioidomycosis
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