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Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection caused by inhaling spores of Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii. It is commonly known as valley fever and can cause flu-like symptoms, pneumonia, and potentially more severe complications, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. Coccidioidomycosis is endemic in certain regions of the United States, particularly in the Southwest.
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Is coccidioides immitis prokaryotic or eukaryotic?
Coccidioides immitis is a eukaryotic organism. It is a fungus that causes coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley fever. Eukaryotic organisms have a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
What diseases does cocci cause?
Cocci, or coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection caused by inhaling spores of Coccidioides fungi found in soil in some parts of the United States, Mexico, and Central and South America. It can lead to respiratory symptoms such as cough, fever, and chest pain, and in severe cases, it can spread to other parts of the body, causing more serious complications.
How fungi is transmitted?
Fungi can be transmitted through inhalation of spores, direct contact with infected material or person, ingestion of contaminated food or water, or through vectors like insects. It can also be transmitted from person to person in certain conditions.
Indications for taking blood cultures and appropriate site selection?
Blood cultures are indicated in suspected systemic infections, such as sepsis or endocarditis, where bloodstream infection is likely. Appropriate site selection includes clean venipuncture from peripheral veins, using sterile technique, typically drawing from different sites to increase diagnostic yield. Additionally, blood cultures should be taken prior to starting antibiotics if possible to improve sensitivity of detection.
Is coccidioidomycosis contagious?
No, it is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.
Why is coccidioidomycosis called valley fever?
Coccidioidomycoses is called Valley fever because many cases occurred in San Joaquin Valley.
If your doctor wants you to get blood test's called Histo Crypto Coccidio Blasto what are these tests for IE What is he trying to rule out?
they are for histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, and Cryptococcus, all fungal infections.
What causes valley-fever?
Valley fever is a fungal infection caused by coccidioides fungi. It can cause fever, chest pain and coughing, among other signs and symptoms. Two species of coccidioides fungi cause valley fever and are commonly found in the soil and can be stirred into the air by farming, construction and wind.The fungi is then breathed into the lungs and causes valley fever, also known as acute coccidioidomycosis.
Is coccidioides immitis prokaryotic or eukaryotic?
Coccidioides immitis is a eukaryotic organism. It is a fungus that causes coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley fever. Eukaryotic organisms have a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
The acronym cocci is short form for which lung disease?
Cocci is short for Coccidioidomycosis, commonly known as valley fever or California fever. It is a fungal disease that affects the lungs causing flu-like symptoms such as fever, coughs, headaches, muscle pain and joint pain.
What are the characteristics of San Joaquin Valley Fever?
Acute coccidioidomycosis (valley fever)The initial form mild, with few symptoms. Later, one to three weeks after exposure, flu like systems appear.FeverCoughChest pain, at time very severeChillsNight sweatsJoint achesRed, spotty rash
Coccidioidomycosis - chronic pulmonary?
DefinitionChronic pulmonary coccidioidomycosis is a lung infection caused by breathing in the fungus Coccidioides.Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe infection is caused by breathing in the spores of a fungus found in the soil in desert regions of the southwestern U.S., Mexico, and Central and South America. The disease can have an acute, chronic, or disseminated form.People get the chronic form months or years after having an infection that often is not diagnosed. Lung abscesses can form and may break open, causing pus in the lung cavity (empyema) or an abnormal connection between an air passage and the lung cavity (bronchopleural fistula). Scarring (fibrosis) and cavities can form in the upper lungs as chronic pulmonary coccidioidomycosis slowly gets worse over a period of months or years.Most pulmonary coccidioidomycosis infections do not become chronic.The following increase the risk for the chronic or disseminated forms of the disease:African or Phillippine descentWeak immune systemPregnancyPre-existing heart or lung diseaseDiabetesSymptomsChronic coughBlood-tinged sputumLoss of appetiteWeight lossFeverShortness of breathOther symptoms of this disease include:WheezingExcess sweatingJoint stiffnessChest painHeadacheSigns and testsSputum KOH testSputum fungal cultureCoccidioides complement fixation titer to measure antibodies to the fungus in the bloodCBC with differentialChest x-rayChest CT scanCoccidioidin skin testBronchoscopy(possibly with transbronchial biopsy)Open lung biopsyMediastinoscopySpinal tap (lumbar puncture) to rule out meningitisTreatmentAntifungal medications are used to treat this disease. Treating any immune system problem (such as AIDS) and limiting the use of medications that suppress the immune system (such as steroids or chemotherapy) can help the body fight the coccidioidomycosis infection. Sometimes surgery is needed to remove the infected part of the lung.Expectations (prognosis)With treatment the outcome is usually good, although the disease can come back. Some patients, such as those with immune system problems (from AIDS or drugs that suppress the immune system) may need to keep taking antifungal medication to prevent a relapse.ComplicationsPleural effusionRelapse of infectionDisseminated coccidioidomycosisCoccidioidomycosis meningitisArthritisRashEmpyemaPneumoniaBronchopleural fistulaLung scarring (fibrosis)Lung cavitiesCalling your health care providerCall for an appointment with your health care provider if:Coccidioidomycosis symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatmentYou have new symptomsPreventionBecause coccidioidomycosis usually causes no symptoms -- and when symptoms do occur they usually get better quickly on their own -- there is no need to avoid infection. People with immune problems (such as AIDS patients and those on drugs that suppress the immune system) can avoid travel to areas where this fungus is found, if they want to reduce their risk of getting this rare, chronic disorder.ReferencesGalgiani J. Coccidioides species. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone; 2005:chap 264.Galgiani JN. Coccidioidomycosis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 354.
What has the author John Fitchett Marsh written?
John Fitchett Marsh was an English author known for writing books on various historical and philosophical topics, including "The Book of Ser Marco Polo" and "The Life of Saladin." His works often focused on medieval and Eastern history, providing detailed accounts of significant events and figures.
Are immune compromised people more susceptible to Valley Fever?
Yes. People with immune compromised systems are more susceptible to Valley fever. For example, it is found more commonly in prisons because many prisoners have immuno-suppression due to HIV. Valley Fever is a fungal infection which is known in medical terms as Coccidioidomycosis. It is caused by the fungus Coccidioides.
What body systems are affected by valley fever And if you have Hep C and Asthma are you affected?
Disseminated coccidioidomycosis: This is most serious and occurs when the infection spreads (disseminates) beyond the lungs Most often to the skin, bones, liver, brain, heart, and the membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord (meninges). Yes, if you have Hep C and asthma you are more likely to be affected since your immune system is not strong.
What body systems are affected by valley fever and if you have Hep C and Asthma what are the risk if you get valley fever?
At first only the lungs are affected. If not treated it can spread. Having Hep C and asthma will not make the likelihood of getting Valley fever more so. But Asthma can become worse. Hep C will only make a person feel worse. More and more cases are showing up in the dry SW. Valley fever is a fungal infection caused by coccidioides fungi. It can cause fever, chest pain and coughing, among other signs and symptoms. Two species of coccidioides fungi cause valley fever and are commonly found in the soil and can be stirred into the air by farming, construction and wind. The fungi can then be breathed into the lungs and cause valley fever, also known as acute coccidioidomycosis. Mild cases of valley fever usually resolve on their own. In more severe cases, doctors prescribe antifungal medications. Valley fever is the initial form and can develop into chronic and disseminated coccidioidomycosis.
