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Disseminated coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection that spreads through the bloodstream and involves many organs.
Alternative NamesCoccidioidomycosis - systemic
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsCoccidioidomycosis is caused by breathing in spores from the fungi Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii.These fungi are found in the soil in certain parts of the southwestern U.S., Mexico, and Central and South America.
The following increase your risk of disseminated coccidioidomycosis:
- Diabetes
- A suppressed immune system (immunosuppression), such as that caused by HIV infection or AIDS
- Pregnancy
- Medicines that weaken your immune system, including steroids, TNF-inhibitors, and chemotherapy drugs
- Lymphoma
Most acuteinfections cause no symptoms. Other times, the symptoms range from mild to severe.
Symptoms include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle stiffness
- Muscle aches
- Neck or shoulder stiffness
- Change in mental status
- Sensitivity to light
Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:
- Joint swelling
- Joint pain
- Skin reaction (erythema nodosum)
- Arthritis
- Ankle, feet, and leg swelling
Tests that may be done include:
- CBC with differential
- Chest x-ray
- Coccidioidin skin test
- Sputum KOH test
- Coccidioides complement fixation titer to measure antibodies to the Coccidioides fungus in the blood
- Sputum culture
A biopsy of tissue may be done to determine the area of disseminated disease:
A brain and nervous system (neurological) examination may show abnormalities.
TreatmentBed rest and improved nutrition are recommended. Antifungal drugs are prescribed to treat the infection.
Expectations (prognosis)People with disseminated disease have a high Death Rate. Death may be rapid for patients with a suppressed immune system.
ComplicationsIn the disseminated form of the disease, the infection may spread to the bones, lungs, liver, brain, skin, heart, and sac around the heart (pericardium). Meningitis is the most serious type of disseminated disease.
Calling your health care providerCall for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of disseminated coccidioidomycosis.
PreventionMaintaining good health will limit the disease to a harmless lung illness. Preventing AIDS or other causes of an impaired immune system will generally prevent the more severe forms of the disease.
ReferencesGalgiani J. Coccidioides species. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2005:chap 264.
Galgiani JN. Coccidioidomycosis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 354.
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Is coccidioidomycosis contagious?
No, it is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.
Where is organization's annual report disseminated?
to whom is a report disseminated to and how is it done
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.
In what physical form are blister agents normally disseminated?
In what physical form are blister agents normally disseminated?
How is knowladge disseminated?
Publications
Does a patient with Disseminated shingles need to be isolated?
Yes, a person with disseminated shingles should be on contact and respiratory isolation.
What is coccidioidomycosis?
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.
What are the long-term effects of river valley fever?
Valley fever is the initial form and can develop into chronic and disseminated coccidioidomycosis. It depends on whether Valley fever stays in the initial form or becomes chronic or disseminated. The initial form mild, with few symptoms. Later, one to three weeks after exposure, flu like systems appear. Fever Cough Chest pain, at time very severe Chills Night sweats Joint aches Red, spotty rash Sometimes long-term effects are joint pains and other arthritis like symptoms. It can take as long as six months or more to get over the initial form. Infection with this fungi does confer immunity.
How was news disseminated during the revolutionary war?
Newspapers
What is the in lower plants that was disseminated and had to become established?
Spores.
What structure in lower plants was disseminated and established?
spores
Tiny infectious cells disseminated by apicomplexans?
sporozites
