Introduction

INTRODUCTION
  • Coccidioidomycosis is usually a benign, inapparent, or mildly severe upper respiratory infection that resolves naturally.
  • On occasion, the disease may become an acute or chronic, disseminating, fatal mycosis.
  • The etiologic agent, Coccidioides immitis, is the most virulent of the fungal pathogens.
  • The disease is not uncommon among laboratory workers who isolate the agent.
  • It is endemic in the soils of the Southwest United States and Central South America.
  • Dust storms increase the incidence of disease.
  • Of domestic animals, dogs are most frequently affected, although horses are occasionally affected as well.
  • Infections also occur in cats, swine, sheep, cattle, human and nonhuman primates, and some 30 species of non-domestic mammals.
Last modified: Monday, 4 June 2012, 6:34 AM