Causes and risk factors
The organism is found in the soil. The disease is caused by inhalation of the particles or endospores which are blown up in the air by the organism. Infection is commonly seen immunocompromised patients. Pregnant women, diabetic patients people living in dessert areas are at higher risk.
Clinical presentation
Types of coccydioidomycosis infection are primary pulmonary, chronic and disseminated infection. Influenza like symptoms appear i.e. fever, cough, headache, maculopapular rash, myalgia, arthalgia. In severe cases pulmonary infection may occur. Nodules appear on the lungs which when ruptured form cavities in the bronchi. Theses cavities cause symptoms like chest pain, haemoptysis, and persistent cough. Disseminated infection i.e. spread of infection to other organs like joints, soft tissues meninges may occur. Infection spreads through blood. It causes ulcers, abscess, bone lesions, swollen joints, severe pain, UTI, meningitis leading to death.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. fungal infection can be found by microscopic detection of diagnostic cells by blood culture sputum culture, identification by test DNA PCR, TP antibody test which detects the presence of antibodies for the organism in the blood is the confirmatory test, chest x ray for pulmonary changes, CSF examination to check whether infection has affected meninges.
Treatment
Mild asymptomatic patients do not require any treatment. Anti-fungal treatment is recommended for all other types of coccydioidomycosis.
