Abstract
Although coccidioidomycosis is often asymptomatic, it can have a variety of manifestations, including acute and chronic respiratory disease, osteoarticular destruction, and meningitis. The incidence of coccidioidomycosis is increasing as a result of travel and the influx of susceptible persons into the southwestern United States, where the fungal pathogens - Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii - are endemic. Diagnostic methods include culture, serology, histopathological examination, and antigen detection, but all have limited sensitivity. Coccidioidomycosis can be successfully treated with azoles and amphotericin B; however, a prolonged duration of treatment may be required, relapse is common, and permanent disability and death may occur.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 198-210 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Infections in Medicine |
Volume | 26 |
Issue number | 7 |
State | Published - Jul 1 2009 |
Keywords
- Antifungal therapy
- Coccidioides
- Coccidioidomycosis
- Endemic mycoses
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Microbiology (medical)
- Infectious Diseases