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Coccidioidomycosis - disseminated

Definition

Disseminated coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection that spreads through the bloodstream and involves many organs.

Alternative Names

Coccidioidomycosis - systemic

Causes

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:

Symptoms

Most acute infections cause no symptoms. Other times, the symptoms range from mild to severe.

Symptoms include:

Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:

  • Joint swelling
  • Joint pain
  • Skin reaction (erythema nodosum)
  • Arthritis
  • Ankle, feet, and leg swelling

Exams and Tests

Tests that may be done include:

A biopsy of tissue may be done to determine the area of disseminated disease:

A brain and nervous system (neurological) examination may show abnormalities.

Treatment

Bed rest and improved nutrition are recommended. Antifungal drugs are prescribed to treat the infection.

Outlook (Prognosis)

People with disseminated disease have a high death rate. Death may be rapid for patients with a suppressed immune system.

Possible Complications

In the disseminated form of the disease, the infection may spread to the bones, lungs, liver, brain, skin, heart, and sac around the heart (pericardium). Meningitis is the most serious type of disseminated disease.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of disseminated coccidioidomycosis.

Prevention

Maintaining good health will limit the disease to a harmless lung illness. Preventing AIDS or other causes of an impaired immune system will generally prevent the more severe forms of the disease.

References

Galgiani J. Coccidioides species. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2005:chap 264.

Galgiani JN. Coccidioidomycosis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 354.

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.
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