Disease research project
Eukaryotic Infection Fact Sheet Student Name
| 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) |
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|
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) |
REFERENCES
Ampel, N. M. (2007). Coccidioidomycosis in Persons Infected with HIV-1. Annals Of The New York Academy Of Sciences, 1111336-342. doi:10.1196/annals.1406.033
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017) Coccidioidomycosis: Information and guidance for health professionals. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/coccidioidomycosis/health-professionals.html
Lair, J. E. (2007). State-of-the-Art Treatment of Coccidioidomycosis. Annals Of The New York Academy Of Sciences, 1111411-421. doi:10.1196/annals.1406.010
Fisher, F. S., Bultman, M. W., Johnson, S. M., Pappagianis, D., & Zaborsky, E. (2007). Coccidioides Niches and Habitat Parameters in the Southwestern United States. Annals Of The New York Academy Of Sciences, 111147-72. doi:10.1196/annals.1406.031
Johnson, R. H., & Einstein, H. E. (2007). Amphotericin B and Coccidioidomycosis. Annals Of The New York Academy Of Sciences, 1111434-441. doi:10.1196/annals.1406.019
Laniado-Laborin, R. (2007). Expanding Understanding of Epidemiology of Coccidioidomycosis in the Western Hemisphere. Annals Of The New York Academy Of Sciences, 111119-34. doi:10.1196/annals.1406.004
Tsang, C. A., Anderson, S. M., Imholte, S. B., Erhart, L. M., Chen, S., Park, B. J., & … Sunenshine, R. H. (2010). Enhanced Surveillance of Coccidioidomycosis, Arizona, USA, 2007-2008. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 16(11), 1738-1744. doi:10.3201/eid1611.100475
