| Disease | Injury | Nutrition | Poison |
| Special Topic | Surgery | Symptoms | Test |
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| Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention |
Coccidioidomycosis - disseminated |
| 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. |
Reviewed By: Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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