Article
Microbiology
Daniel R. Kollath, Joseph R. Mihaljevic, Bridget M. Barker
Summary: This study examines the relationship between disease outbreaks of Valley fever and climatic variables, and predicts seasonal time points of increased infection risk. The study finds that maximum monthly temperature, average PM10, and total precipitation 1 month prior to reported cases are significant in predicting Valley fever cases.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Takashi Abe, Fumihiro Yamaguchi, Shunsuke Sakakura, Yo Shiratori, Ayaka Mase, Toshitaka Funaki, Yoshito Kamio, Takashi Suzuki, Yusuke Shikama, Yasutaka Hoshino
Summary: This article reports a case of pulmonary coccidioidomycosis in a Japanese male. The patient was diagnosed with cavity-forming coccidioidomycosis during his 1-year residency in the United States and underwent partial resection of the upper lobe of his left lung after being unable to tolerate antifungal therapy. Symptoms improved after surgery.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Derek J. Bays, George R. Thompson, Susan Reef, Linda Snyder, Alana J. Freifeld, Milt Huppert, David Salkin, Machelle D. Wilson, John N. Galgiani
Summary: This retrospective study analyzed the natural history of non-central nervous system disseminated coccidioidomycosis patients who were not treated with standard antifungal therapy, finding significantly higher mortality rates in the CNS group, followed by the DCM group, with the lowest in the non-DCM group. Key differences were observed in the primary presentation and disease manifestation of pulmonary infection among the different groups.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Editorial Material
Immunology
George R. Thompson, Neil M. Ampel, Janis E. Blair, Fariba Donovan, Joshua Fierer, John N. Galgiani, Arash Heidari, Royce Johnson, Stanley A. Shatsky, Christopher M. Uchiyama, David A. Stevens
Summary: This study gathered experienced clinicians to summarize and provide consensus for the management of coccidioidal meningitis, caused by Central nervous system infection with Coccidioides spp., highlighting the importance of high expertise and comprehensive approach in the treatment of this infection.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Nancy A. Chow, David Kangiser, Lalitha Gade, Orion Z. McCotter, Steven Hurst, Amy Salamone, Ron Wohrle, Wayne Clifford, Sunkyung Kim, Zainab Salah, Hanna N. Oltean, Geoffrey S. Plumlee, Anastasia P. Litvintseva
Summary: Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii are causative agents of Valley fever, and their environmental reservoir remains unclear. This study found that C. immitis can persist in soil for years, with its presence correlated with specific soil chemical characteristics. The results suggest that soil parameters should be considered in modeling the distribution of this fungus in the environment.
Article
Microbiology
Daniel Ho, Kristen D. Kelley, Satya Dandekar, Stuart H. Cohen, George R. Thompson III
Summary: Liver disease compromises the host immune system, making patients more susceptible to invasive fungal diseases. Severe coccidioidomycosis cases were observed in patients with liver dysfunction, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Collaborative multi-center epidemiologic studies are needed to determine the incidence of severe coccidioidomycosis in patients with concurrent liver disease.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Renni R. Panicker, Helen C. Bartels, Michael B. Gotway, Neil M. Ampel, Matthew R. Buras, Elisabeth S. Lim, Janis E. Blair
Summary: Some patients with pulmonary coccidioidomycosis develop pulmonary cavities, with azole therapy increasing the likelihood of cavity closure. However, most cavities do not completely close. Smokers and patients with diabetes have lower closure rates.
Review
Microbiology
Samantha L. Williams, Tom Chiller
Summary: Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii, with increasing incidence and expanding geographic distribution. Most infections are asymptomatic, but some cases can be severe. Diagnosis is challenging and relies on clinician suspicion for laboratory testing. Advances in diagnostic tools and antifungal therapy aim to improve early detection and effective management of the infection.
Article
Microbiology
Heather L. Mead, Daniel R. Kollath, Marcus de Melo Teixeira, Chandler C. Roe, Carmel Plude, Nivedita Nandurkar, Chelsea Donohoo, Brettania L. W. O'Connor, Joel Terriquez, Paul Keim, Bridget M. Barker
Summary: Our study is the first to describe the Valley fever disease triangle in Northern Arizona, focusing on the host, the pathogen, and the environmental source in the region. Our findings indicate an increase in diagnosed cases of Valley fever in 2019, with some severe cases requiring hospitalization. We also provide evidence of the presence of Coccidioides spp. in soils in Northern Arizona, suggesting that the pathogen is maintained in the local environment. It is important to raise awareness and enhance surveillance of coccidioidomycosis for the health of the community in Northern Arizona.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Christos Koutserimpas, Symeon Naoum, Konstantinos Raptis, Georgia Vrioni, George Samonis, Kalliopi Alpantaki
Summary: Skeletal core and extremity infections caused by Coccidioides species are severe diseases. Based on the available data, a combination of prolonged proper antifungal treatment with surgical intervention seems to be the optimal current therapeutic approach.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Lisa F. Shubitz, Sallianne Schlacks, Polina Vishkautsan, Christine D. Butkiewicz, Kate A. Worthing
Summary: Posaconazole can be an effective treatment option for dogs with refractory coccidioidomycosis, with most dogs showing recovery or clinical remission. Monitoring of liver function and therapeutic drug levels is essential to prevent hepatotoxicity.
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Ferris A. Ramadan, Katherine D. Ellingson, Robert A. Canales, Edward J. Bedrick, John N. Galgiani, Fariba M. Donovan
Summary: Demographic and clinical indicators have been described to support identification of coccidioidomycosis, but their interplay has not been explored in a clinical setting. This study aimed to develop a predictive model for coccidioidomycosis among participants with suspected infection.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Ryan Boro, Prema C. Iyer, Maciej A. Walczak
Summary: Coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley fever, is an endemic fungal infection that has seen an increase in both its residency and prevalence in the southwestern parts of the United States. This review compiles the latest information on epidemiology, pharmaceutical approaches, trends, diagnostic concerns, and the overlapping dynamics of coccidioidomycosis and COVID-19, providing an overview of current strategies and areas for future development.
Review
Microbiology
Theo N. Kirkland, David A. Stevens, Chiung-Yu Hung, Sinem Beyhan, John W. Taylor, Lisa F. Shubitz, Sascha H. Duttke, Arash Heidari, Royce H. Johnson, Stanley C. Deresinski, Antje Lauer, Joshua Fierer
Summary: Coccidioides immitis and posadasii are fungal species that cause coccidioidomycosis. They can infect both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals, with high infection rates in endemic areas. While most infections resolve spontaneously, some can be fatal. Extensive research has been conducted on Coccidioides and its associated disease over the past century. This review focuses on gathering the most important basic research studies on the mycology of these fungi, excluding host response and clinical studies, to provide a valuable resource for those interested in Coccidioides and coccidioidomycosis.
Review
Microbiology
Nadia Miranda, Katrina K. Hoyer
Summary: Valley fever, caused by inhaling a soil fungus called Coccidioides, triggers the formation of granulomas as an attempt by the immune system to control and eliminate the fungus. However, granulomas during Coccidioides infection are not well understood. This review examines our current knowledge of granulomas and their potential mechanisms, using it to uncover the formation of granulomas in coccidioidomycosis.
