Definition
Acute pulmonary coccidioidomycosis is a lung infection caused by breathing in spores of Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii, fungi found in the soil in certain parts of the southwestern U.S., Mexico, and Central and South America.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Coccidioides infection begins in the lungs after a person breathes in the spores.
Those who may develop more serious infection include:
- People of African or Philippine descent
- Those with weakened immune systems due to AIDS, diabetes, or medications that suppress the immune system
Occasionally the infection may develop into a long-term (chronic) lung disease or can reactivate after a long latent period.
Traveling to an area where these fungi are found is a risk for coccidioidal infection. Areas in the U.S. include Arizona, California (especially the San Joaquin Valley), and western Texas.
Pictures & Images
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 – acute pulmonary : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Coccidioidomycosis – acute pulmonary : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Coccidioidomycosis – acute pulmonary : Treatment
Review Date : 9/17/2008
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, PhD, MD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
