1. DBMD - Coccidioidomycosis - Technical Information coccidioidomycosis. Clinical Features, Symptomatic infection (40% ofcases) usually presents as influenzalike illness with fever, cough http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/coccidioidomycosis_t.htm

Coccidioidomycosis Clinical Features Symptomatic infection (40% of cases) usually presents as influenza-like illness with fever, cough, headaches, rash, and myalgias; also can present as acute pneumonia, rarely as chronic pneumonia, or as disseminated form (affecting meninges, skin, and bone). Severe pulmonary disease may develop in HIV-infected persons. Etiologic Agent Coccidioides immitis. Reservoir Soil in semiarid areas (primarily in the Lower Sonoran life zone). Endemic in the south-western United States, parts of Mexico and South America. Incidence Incidence was 15 cases per 100,000 population in Arizona in 1995. Of persons living in areas with endemic disease, 10-50% are skin-test positive. Sequelae Meningitis may lead to permanent neurologic damage. Mortality is high in HIV-infected persons with diffuse lung disease. Transmission Inhalation of airborne arthroconidia after disturbance of contaminated soil by humans or natural disasters (e.g., dust storms and earthquakes).

2. OI: Coccidioidomycosis -- ÆGIS coccidioidomycosis is a very dangerous opportunistic infection often fatal when untreated. http://www.aegis.com/topics/oi/oi-coccidioidomycosis.html

Coccidioidomycosis Coccidioidomycosis is a very dangerous opportunistic infection often fatal when untreated. This is part of a series on Opportunistic Infections ("OIs"). Please note that This Page Is Just A Starting Point: who specializes in treating HIV. Finding The Latest Information: Advances in treating opportunistic infections can happen at any time, so the material on this page may be outdated. Some links in the see also section at the bottom of this page are actually special database links. They may contain information published after this page was written. Classification fungus infection Description Coccidioides immitis is a fungus found mainly in soil in the southwestern parts of the US, in Mexico, in Central America, and in parts of South America. During one part of the fungus' life cycle, it is airborn. That's when it is most dangerous. Those with Coccidioidomycosis have inhaled this infective fungus. The lungs are the most commonly affected. In severe cases, Coccidioidomycosis can also involve the kidneys, lymph system, brain, and spleen. Symptoms include cough, weight loss, and fatigue. Meningitis is a common complication when Coccidioidomycosis is left untreated.

3. MEDLINEplus Medical Encyclopedia: Coccidioidomycosis The incidence of acute coccidioidomycosis is rare. In any given year, about 3% of people who live in an area where http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001322.htm

Skip navigation Medical Encyclopedia Other encyclopedia topics: A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk ... Z Coccidioidomycosis Contents of this page: Illustrations Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors ... Prevention Illustrations Coccidioidomycosis - chest X-ray Pulmonary nodule - front view chest X-ray Alternative names Return to top Coccidiosis; San Joaquin Valley Fever Definition Return to top Coccidiodomycosis is a disease caused by the spores of the fungus, Coccidioides immitis Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top Infection is caused by inhalation of the spores of the fungus, Coccidioides immitis , which is often found in desert regions. About 60% of infections cause no symptoms and are only recognized later by a positive coccidioidin skin test In the remaining 40% of cases, symptoms range from mild to severe. People with a compromised immune system tend to have more serious infections. Individuals with AIDS are at higher risk for pulmonary (lung) coccidioidomycosis, as well as for the disseminated (spread to many body systems) and cutaneous (skin) forms of the disease. The disease can have an acute chronic , or disseminated form. Acute pulmonary coccidioidomycosis is almost always mild, with few or no symptoms, and resolves without treatment. The incubation period is 7 to 21 days.

4. EID Vol 2 No 3: Coccidioidomycosis: A Reemerging Infectious Disease Synopses coccidioidomycosis A Reemerging Infectious Disease. During the early 1990s,the incidence of coccidioidomycosis in California increased dramatically. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/vol2no3/kirkland.htm

Synopses Coccidioidomycosis: A Reemerging Infectious Disease Theo N. Kirkland, M.D., and Joshua Fierer, M.D. Departments of Pathology and Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Diego, California, USA Download Article Coccidioides immitis , the primary pathogenic fungus that causes coccidioidomycosis, is most commonly found in the deserts of the southwestern United States and Central and South America. During the early 1990s, the incidence of coccidioidomycosis in California increased dramatically. Even though most infections are subclinical or self-limited, the outbreak is estimated to have cost more than $66 million in direct medical expenses and time lost from work in Kern County, California, alone. In addition to the financial loss, this pathogen causes serious and life-threatening disseminated infections, especially among the immunosuppressed, including AIDS patients. This article discusses factors that may be responsible for the increased incidence of coccidioidomycosis (e.g., climatic and demographic changes and the clinical problems of coccidioidomycosis in the immunocompromised) and new approaches to therapy and prevention. . In what sense is coccidioidomycosis an emerging infectious disease? Coccidioidomycosis is not a new disease; it was first recognized and reported slightly more than 100 years ago by a medical student in Argentina

5. Valley Fever Center For Excellence Find extensive information on this lung disease affecting people in the Southwestern U.S. and Northern Mexico. education, research and patient care for Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis). The Valley Fever Center for Excellence http://www.arl.arizona.edu/vfce

Biomedical Research Foundation of Southern Arizona Arizona Research Laboratories Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System University of Arizona ... Para leer en Español Valley Fever is primarily a disease of the lungs that is common in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is caused by the fungus Coccidioides immitis, which grows in soils in areas of low rainfall, high summer temperatures, and moderate winter temperatures. These fungal spores become airborne when the soil is disturbed by winds, construction, farming and other activities. In susceptible people and animals, infection occurs when a spore is inhaled. Within the lung, the spore changes into a larger, multicellular structure called a spherule. The spherule grows and bursts, releasing endospores which develop into spherules. Valley Fever symptoms generally occur within three weeks of exposure. Valley Fever is not a "contagious" disease, meaning it is not passed from person to person. Second infections are rare. This site has been visited: since 8/27/1997

6. MEDLINEplus Medical Encyclopedia: Coccidioidomycosis - Chronic Pulmonary coccidioidomycosis chronic pulmonary. years. Still, the majority ofpulmonary coccidioidomycosis infections do not become chronic. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000096.htm

Skip navigation Medical Encyclopedia Other encyclopedia topics: A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk ... Z Coccidioidomycosis - chronic pulmonary Contents of this page: Illustrations Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors ... Prevention Illustrations Coccidioidomycosis - chest X-ray Tuberculosis, advanced - chest X-rays Fungus Alternative names Return to top San Joaquin Valley Fever; Desert Rheumatism Definition Return to top A disease caused by breathing in a fungus found in the soil in certain parts of the southwestern U.S., Mexico, and Central and South America that can cause a lung ( chronic pulmonary) condition. Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top The infection is caused by breathing in the spores of a fungus found in desert regions such as Arizona or California's San Joaquin Valley. The disease can have an acute chronic , or disseminated form. The chronic form usually develops after a latent period of months to years following an initial benign infection which may go undiagnosed. Lung abscesses may form and may rupture into the pleural spaces causing empyema (pus in the pleural space) or bronchopleural fistula. Scarring (fibrosis) and cavities may gradually form in the upper lungs as the chronic form of coccidioidomycosis slowly progresses over months to years. Still, the majority of pulmonary coccidioidomycosis infections do not become chronic. In fact, the majority of infections cause no symptoms and are only recognized by a positive

7. Emerging Infectious Diseases Coccidioidomycosis Following The Emerging Infectious Diseases coccidioidomycosis Following the Northridge Earthquake California, 1994 1. CDC. coccidioidomycosisUnited States, 19911992. http://www.aegis.com/pubs/Cdc_Fact_Sheets/1994/cdc94010.html

Emerging Infectious Diseases: Coccidioidomycosis Following the Northridge Earthquake California, 1994 MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - March 18, 1994 From January 24 through March 15, 1994, 170 persons with laboratory evidence of acute coccidioidomycosis * were identified in Ventura County, California. This numberwhich comprises cases identified through active surveillancesubstantially exceeds the total number of coccidioidomycosis cases (52) reported through routine passive surveillance during all of 1993 in Ventura County, which has been considered an area of low incidence for this disease. The increase in cases follows the January 17 earthquake centered in Northridge (in adjacent Los Angeles County), which may have exposed Ventura County residents to increased levels of airborne dust. The California Department of Health Services, local public health agencies, and CDC are conducting an investigation to determine the magnitude of the outbreak, risk factors for infection, and its possible association with the Northridge earthquake. REPORTED BY: D Pappagianis, MD, Univ of California, Davis; G Feldman, MD, M Billimek, MSH, Ventura County Public Health Dept, Ventura; L Mascola, MD, Los Angeles County Health Dept, Los Angeles; SB Werner, MD, RJ Jackson, MD, GW Rutherford, III, MD, State Epidemiologist, California Dept of Health Svcs. Emergency Response Coordination Group, National Center for Environmental Health; Office of the Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; Div of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases; Div of Field Epidemiology, Epidemiology Program Office, CDC.

8. Coccidioidomycosis coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley Fever, is a disease caused by the fungus Coccidioides immitis, which lives in http://www.aidsmap.com/treatments/ixdata/english/D77D749F-A2DC-4E02-80A7-F51ED00

take me to... News What's new Treatments - Treatments overview - Anti-HIV therapy - A-Z of drugs - Emerging therapies - Medical tests - Symptoms and illnesses - Clinical trials - The Wheel A treatment planner Introductions to HIV/AIDS - HIV/AIDS basics - HIV/AIDS statistics - About HIV treatments - About side effects Global Issues - Intro to global issues - About the epidemic - Prevention technology - Public Health - Community action Int. HIV/AIDS Alliance - About the Alliance - Alliance news - Alliance publications Online publications - Factsheets - Patient Information Series - AIDS Treatment Update AIDS orgs worldwide NAM's bookshop Online Discussions Search aidsmap Links Online Help Who produces aidsmap? Privacy statement Coccidioidomycosis Updated: Apr 02, 2002 Coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley Fever, is a disease caused by the fungus Coccidioides immitis , which lives in soil in the southwestern U.S., Mexico, and Central and South America. It is very rare in Britain. In people with damaged immune systems (CD4 counts usually below 100) it can grow in the lungs, and in advanced disease may also involve the kidneys, spleen, lymph nodes, brain (causing meningitis), and thyroid.

9. Coccidioidomycosis coccidioidomycosis Synonyms San Joaquin favored 77. coccidioidomycosisis acquired from inhalation of the spores (arthroconidia). Once http://www.doctorfungus.org/mycoses/human/cocci/coccidioidomycosis.htm

Mycoses Introduction Human Veterinary Environmental Industrial Agricultural The Fungi Introduction Descriptions Synonyms Image Bank Lecture Bank Drugs Introduction Medical Veterinary Environmental Industrial Agricultural Laboratory Introduction Susceptibility MIC Database Procedures Histopathology Tools Introduction Abbreviations Links CME Conference Highlights Bibliography Glossary Good Books Events Calendar About Us Introduction Our Mission Editorial Board Editorial Staff Supporters Contributors Developers Legal Stuff This page updated: 1/23/2003 2:09:50 PM Site built and designed for doctorfungus by Webillustrated You are here: Mycoses Introduction Human Veterinary Environmental Industrial Agricultural Navigate this section from here: Select a Fungal Infection Aspergillosis Blastomycosis Candidiasis: General Overview Candidiasis: Invasive Forms Overview - Arthritis - Asymptomatic Colonization - Biliary - Candidemia - Candidemia and Catheters - Cardiac - CNS: General - CNS: Neurosurgery-related - Chronic Candidiasis - Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis - Cutaneous - Empirical Therapy: Neonates - Empirical Therapy: Neutropenic - Empirical Therapy: Non-Neutropenic - Endophthalmitis - Esophagitis - Four Forms of Invasive Candidiasis - Hepatosplenic - Neonatal - Onychomycosis (Nail infections) - Oropharyngeal - Osteomyelitis - Pancreatic - Peritonitis - Peritonitis: Dialysis-related - Peritonitis: Gut injury-related - Pneumonia - Urinary: General - Urinary: Asymptomatic funguria - Urinary: Fungus balls - Vulvovaginitis Coccidioidomycosis Cryptococcosis Histoplasmosis: Overview

10. Coccidioidomycosis Coccidiodomycosis includes a variety of illnesses many not requiring therapy; it is acquired from inhalation of the spores. coccidioidomycosis is the infection caused by the dimorphic fungus Coccidioides immitis. http://www.doctorfungus.com/Mycoses/human/cocci/coccidioidomycosis.htm

Mycoses Introduction Human Veterinary Environmental Industrial Agricultural The Fungi Introduction Descriptions Synonyms Image Bank Lecture Bank Drugs Introduction Medical Veterinary Environmental Industrial Agricultural Laboratory Introduction Susceptibility MIC Database Procedures Histopathology Tools Introduction Abbreviations Links CME Conference Highlights Bibliography Glossary Good Books Events Calendar About Us Introduction Our Mission Editorial Board Editorial Staff Supporters Contributors Developers Legal Stuff This page updated: 1/23/2003 2:09:50 PM Site built and designed for doctorfungus by Webillustrated You are here: Mycoses Introduction Human Veterinary Environmental Industrial Agricultural Navigate this section from here: Select a Fungal Infection Aspergillosis Blastomycosis Candidiasis: General Overview Candidiasis: Invasive Forms Overview - Arthritis - Asymptomatic Colonization - Biliary - Candidemia - Candidemia and Catheters - Cardiac - CNS: General - CNS: Neurosurgery-related - Chronic Candidiasis - Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis - Cutaneous - Empirical Therapy: Neonates - Empirical Therapy: Neutropenic - Empirical Therapy: Non-Neutropenic - Endophthalmitis - Esophagitis - Four Forms of Invasive Candidiasis - Hepatosplenic - Neonatal - Onychomycosis (Nail infections) - Oropharyngeal - Osteomyelitis - Pancreatic - Peritonitis - Peritonitis: Dialysis-related - Peritonitis: Gut injury-related - Pneumonia - Urinary: General - Urinary: Asymptomatic funguria - Urinary: Fungus balls - Vulvovaginitis Coccidioidomycosis Cryptococcosis Histoplasmosis: Overview

11. Dr. Fungus - This Page Is Moved (Medical: Coccidioidomycosis) The page you've requested has moved. The new location for this page is herehttp//www.doctorfungus.org/Mycoses/human/COCCI/coccidioidomycosis.htm. http://www.doctorfungus.org/FUNGI_ACTION/HUMAN/cocci/coccidioidomycosis.htm

Mycoses Introduction Human Veterinary Environmental Industrial Agricultural The Fungi Introduction Descriptions Synonyms Image Bank Drugs Introduction Medical Veterinary Environmental Industrial Agricultural Laboratory Introduction Susceptibility MIC Database Procedures Histopathology Tools Introduction Abbreviations Links CME Conference Highlights Bibliography Glossary Good Books Events Calendar About Us Introduction Our Mission Editorial Board Editorial Staff Supporters Contributors Developers Legal Stuff This page updated: Site built and designed for doctorfungus by Webillustrated You are here: fungi action Human Select a Fungal Infection Aspergillosis Blastomycosis Candidiasis: General Overview Candidiasis: Invasive Forms Overview - Arthritis - Asymptomatic Colonization - Biliary - Candidemia - Candidemia and Catheters - Cardiac - CNS: General - CNS: Neurosurgery-related - Chronic Candidiasis - Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis - Cutaneous - Empirical Therapy: Neonates - Empirical Therapy: Neutropenic - Empirical Therapy: Non-Neutropenic - Endophthalmitis - Esophagitis - Four Forms of Invasive Candidiasis - Hepatosplenic - Neonatal - Onychomycosis (Nail infections) - Oropharyngeal - Osteomyelitis - Pancreatic - Peritonitis - Peritonitis: Dialysis-related - Peritonitis: Gut injury-related - Pneumonia - Urinary: General - Urinary: Asymptomatic funguria - Urinary: Fungus balls - Vulvovaginitis Coccidioidomycosis Cryptococcosis Histoplasmosis: Overview - capsulatum - duboisii Paracoccidioidomycosis Sporotrichosis Zygomycosis Miscellaneous Syndromes - Chromoblastomycosis

12. Coccidioidomycosis coccidioidomycosis. Early Manifestations. Incubation period is 7 to 21 days http://medocs.ucdavis.edu/imd/420c/pptslides/coccidioidomycosis/tsld018.htm

13. THE MERCK MANUAL, Sec. 13, Ch. 158, Systemic Fungal Diseases Includes signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.Category Health Conditions and Diseases Fungal coccidioidomycosis...... coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever; San Joaquin Fever). Untreated disseminated coccidioidomycosisis usually fatal, uniformly so if meningitis is present. http://www.merck.com/pubs/mmanual/section13/chapter158/158c.htm

Systemic Mycoses) This Publication Is Searchable The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy Section 13. Infectious Diseases Chapter 158. Systemic Fungal Diseases (Systemic Mycoses) Topics [General] Histoplasmosis Coccidioidomycosis Blastomycosis ... Other Fungal Opportunists Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever; San Joaquin Fever) A disease caused by the fungus Coccidioides immitis, usually occurring in a primary form as an acute benign asymptomatic or self-limited respiratory infection, occasionally disseminating to cause focal lesions in skin, subcutaneous tissues, lymph nodes, bones, liver, kidneys, meninges, brain, or other tissues. Coccidioidomycosis is endemic in the southwestern USA, including the central valley of California, Arizona, parts of New Mexico, and Texas west of El Paso. The area extends into northern Mexico, and foci occur in parts of Central America and Argentina. Infections are acquired by inhalation of spore-laden dust. Because of travel and delayed onset of clinical manifestations, symptomatic infections sometimes may become evident outside endemic areas. Once inhaled

14. Coccidioidomycosis coccidioidomycosis , systemic fungus disease (see fungal infection) endemic to arid regions of the Americas, contracted http://www.factmonster.com/ce6/sci/A0812717.html

Encyclopedia coccidioidomycosis E O m I k O Pronunciation Key coccidioidomycosis , systemic fungus disease (see fungal infection ) endemic to arid regions of the Americas, contracted by inhaling dust containing spores of the fungus Coccidioides immitis. From the respiratory tract, it can spread to the skin, bones, and central nervous system. Manifestions of the disease range from complete absence of symptoms to systemic infection and death. In 60% of the cases no clinical evidence of the disease is present and the only recognizable sign is a positive skin test; in 15% symptoms resembling those of influenza occur; and in 25% more serious signs such as swelling of the knees, weakness, pleural pain, and prostration occur. Diagnosis is made upon positive cultural identification of the fungus. Treatment is with the antifungal amphotericin B and bed rest. The soil that supports Coccidioides spores is indigenous to dry, hot geographical areas; the SW United States, Argentina, and Paraguay are areas of high incidence of infection. Cases in the San Joaquin Valley in California, where the disease is called valley fever, increased tenfold between 1991 and 1995. See M. J. Fiese

15. EMedicine - Coccidioidomycosis : Article By Joseph Kim, MD coccidioidomycosis coccidioidomycosis comprises a constellation of infectionscaused by the dimorphic fungus Coccidioides immitis, which is known as. http://www.emedicine.com/EMERG/topic103.htm

(advertisement) Home Specialties CME PDA ... Patient Education Articles Images CME Patient Education Advanced Search Link to this site Back to: eMedicine Specialties Emergency Medicine Infectious Diseases Coccidioidomycosis Last Updated: April 14, 2001 Rate this Article Email to a Colleague Synonyms and related keywords: cocci, desert fever, Posadas-Wernicke disease, San Joaquin fever, cocci fungal infection AUTHOR INFORMATION Section 1 of 10 Author Information Introduction Clinical Differentials ... Bibliography Author: Joseph Kim, MD , Clinical Instructor, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California at Irvine; Western Medical Center Editor(s): David FM Brown, MD , Instructor, Department of Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate Chief, Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital; Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD , Senior Pharmacy Editor, Pharmacy, eMedicine; Barry J Sheridan, DO , Chief, Department of Emergency Medical Services, Brooke Army Medical Center; John Halamka, MD

16. EMedicine - Coccidioidomycosis (Pulmonology) : Article By Sat Sharma, MD, FRCPC, coccidioidomycosis (Pulmonology) coccidioidomycosis is an infectioncaused by the soil-inhabiting fungus Coccidioides immitis. http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic401.htm

(advertisement) Home Specialties CME PDA ... Patient Education Articles Images CME Patient Education Advanced Search Link to this site Back to: eMedicine Specialties Medicine, Ob/Gyn, Psychiatry, and Surgery Pulmonology Coccidioidomycosis (Pulmonology) Last Updated: January 17, 2003 Rate this Article Email to a Colleague Synonyms and related keywords: San Joaquin Valley fever, valley fever, Coccidioides immitis, C immitis AUTHOR INFORMATION Section 1 of 11 Author Information Introduction Clinical Differentials ... Bibliography Author: Sat Sharma, MD, FRCPC, FCCP , Program Director, Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Divisions of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Manitoba; Site Coordinator of Respiratory Medicine, St Boniface General Hospital Sat Sharma, MD, FRCPC, FCCP, is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Sleep Medicine American College of Chest Physicians American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine American Thoracic Society ... Society of Critical Care Medicine , and World Medical Association Editor(s): Michael Peterson, MD

17. Hospital Practice: Coccidioidomycosis coccidioidomycosis An Update There are no indications for primary prophylaxis.coccidioidomycosis in HIVInfected Patients. Clinical Features. http://www.hosppract.com/issues/1998/09/vaz.htm

Coccidioidomycosis: An Update AUSTIN VAZ, MAURICIO PINEDA-ROMAN, ALLEN R. THOMAS, and RICHARD W. CARLSON Maricopa Medical Center, Phoenix The incidence of coccidioidomycosis in the southwestern United States has sharply increased over the last decade as a result of environmental and demographic changes. It is important to review the epidemiology, diagnostic indicators, and therapeutic options for both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients who have a particularly high risk of infection. Drs. Vaz and Pineda-Roman are former residents in Internal Medicine, Dr. Thomas is Chief of Pulmonary Medicine, and Dr. Carlson is Chairman, Department of Medicine, Maricopa Medical Center, Phoenix. In addition, Dr. Thomas is Assistant Professor and Dr. Carlson is Professor of Medicine, Mayo Medical School, Scottsdale. Dr. Carlson is also Professor of Clinical Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Ariz. Awareness of coccidioidomycosis has been heightened by recent epidemics in California and by the increasing number of HIV-associated cases in endemic areas. As a result of shifting demographics, more patients are presenting with life-threatening complications. It is therefore important to review the epidemiology, diagnostic indicators, and therapeutic options available for effective management of this disease in its earliest stages. Coccidioidomycosis was first defined as a distinct disease more than a hundred years ago, in 1892. It is caused by

18. Valley Fever Center For Excellence The Valley Fever Center for Excellence (VFCE) was established in 1995 to promoteeducation, research and patient care for Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis). http://vfce.arl.arizona.edu/

Biomedical Research Foundation of Southern Arizona Arizona Research Laboratories Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System University of Arizona ... Para leer en Español Valley Fever is primarily a disease of the lungs that is common in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is caused by the fungus Coccidioides immitis, which grows in soils in areas of low rainfall, high summer temperatures, and moderate winter temperatures. These fungal spores become airborne when the soil is disturbed by winds, construction, farming and other activities. In susceptible people and animals, infection occurs when a spore is inhaled. Within the lung, the spore changes into a larger, multicellular structure called a spherule. The spherule grows and bursts, releasing endospores which develop into spherules. Valley Fever symptoms generally occur within three weeks of exposure. Valley Fever is not a "contagious" disease, meaning it is not passed from person to person. Second infections are rare. This site has been visited: since 8/27/1997

19. Coccidioidomycosis - Valley Fever coccidioidomycosis Valley Fever By Kenneth L. Jeffery, DVM. coccidioidomycosiscan occur in two forms the primary form and the disseminated form. http://www.mesavet.com/library/coccidi.htm

Coccidioidomycosis - Valley Fever By Kenneth L. Jeffery, DVM What it is Valley Fever Coccidioidomycosis, or valley fever, is a disease caused by the fungus coccidioides imminia, which exists as a mold found in the soil. The highest incidence of this disease occurs in the desert areas of the southwestern United States. The environmental conditions necessary for survival of the fungus include a warm, arid climate, low elevations with small amounts of rainfall, and relatively alkaline soil. The disease occurs in most species of domestic animals, many exotic animals, and in man. It is usually not considered contagious from one animal to another or from animal to man. The disease occurs as a result of the inhalation of fungal spores directly from the soil or from dust in the air. An animal of nearly any age may be susceptible. Statistics also show that most breeds and sizes of pets are capable of contracting the fungal infection. Two Forms Of Valley Fever Know What To Look For The signs seen with the primary form of the disease would include an elevated temperature of 104 to 105 degrees, listlessness, anorexia or loss of appetite, and a pronounced dry; harsh cough. The cough sounds similar to a bronchial type and may be confused with canine kennel cough in dogs. In disseminated cases, infection of the bones is the most prevalent type, causing lameness or limping. Other signs could include swelling of joints, weight loss, chronic coughing, skin abscesses, pain, incoordination, or seizures.

20. Coccidioidomycosis coccidioidomycosis Coccidiomycosis. Coccidioides immitis. Book, HomePage. http://www.fpnotebook.com/LUN71.htm

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