Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis is an infection caused by the geographically restricted dimorphic
fungus, Coccidioides. Coccidioidomycosis occurs endemically in the southwestern and western United States,
mainly in focused regions of Arizona and California where the incidence is highest,
and in Central and South America. Patients with impaired immunity, especially those
with impaired cellular immunity, are at higher risk of severe and disseminated disease.
In this review, we describe the fungal ecology and mycology, epidemiology, pathophysiology,
and normal immune defenses to Coccidioides as well as address current concepts in diagnosis, treatment, and continued care of
patients with pulmonary coccidioidomycosis. We also present and answer our most frequently
asked questions regarding patients with primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis.
Keywords
Coccidioides
- coccidioidomycosis - pneumonia - valley fever
