 Coccidioidomycosis - disseminated
Definition | Alternative Names | Causes, incidence, and risk factors | Symptoms | Signs and tests | Treatment | Support Groups | Expectations (prognosis) | Complications | Prevention | References DefinitionDisseminated 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 of Coccidioides immitis, a fungus found in the soil in certain parts of the southwestern U.S., Mexico, and Central and South America. Most acute infections cause no symptoms and are only recognized by a positive coccidioidin skin test. Other times, the symptoms range from mild to severe. In the disseminated form of the disease, the infection may spread to the bones, lungs, liver, brain, skin, heart, and pericardium (sac around the heart). Meningitis occurs in 30 - 50% of cases of disseminated disease. The following increases your risk of disseminated coccidioidomycosis: SymptomsAdditional symptoms that may be associated with this disease: - Joint swelling
- Joint pain
- Skin reaction (erythema nodosum)
- Arthritis
- Ankle, feet, and leg swelling
Signs and testsTests that may be done include:
A biopsy of tissue may be done to determine the area of disseminated disease: A neurological examination may show abnormalities. TreatmentBed rest and improved nutrition are recommended. Antifungal drugs are prescribed to treat the infection. Support Groups
Expectations (prognosis)People with disseminated disease have a high death rate. Death may be rapid for immunosuppressed patients. ComplicationsCall for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of disseminated coccidioidomycosis. PreventionGeneral maintenance of good health will limit the disease to a harmless lung illness. Prevention of AIDS or other causes of impaired immune system will generally prevent the more severe forms of the disease. ReferencesGalgiani JN, Ampel NM, Catanzaro A, Johnson RH, Stevens DA, Williams PL. Practice guidelines for the treatment of coccidioidomycosis. Clin Infect Dis. April 2000;30:658-661. Chiller TM. Coccidioidomycosis. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2003; 17(1): 41-57, viii. Murray J, Nadel J. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2000. Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 5th ed. London, UK: Churchill Livingstone; 2000:2746-2755. Galgiani JN, Ampel N, Blair JE, et al. Coccidioidomycosis. Clin Infect Dis. 2005;41:1217-23.
Review Date: 8/6/2007
Reviewed By: D. Scott Smith, MD., MSc., DTM., Prof. Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Dept. of Human Biology, Stanford Univ. School of Medicine, Stanford, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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