Alternate Names : Coccidioidomycosis – systemic
Definition
Disseminated coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection that spreads through the bloodstream and involves many organs.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Coccidioidomycosis 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
Pictures & Images
Disseminated coccidioidomycosis
Disseminated coccidioidomycosis is caused by breathing in the spores of a fungus found in desert regions. The infection spreads throughout the body and is especially common in immunosuppressed people. Antifungals may help but the death rate is very high.
Fungus
Fungal infections are caused by microscopic organisms (fungi) that can live on the skin. They can live on the dead tissues of the hair, nails, and outer skin layers.
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Coccidioidomycosis – disseminated : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Coccidioidomycosis – disseminated : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Coccidioidomycosis – disseminated : Treatment
Review Date : 8/28/2009
Reviewed By : David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
