coccidioidomycosis

Coccidioidomycosis

Causative Agent

Coccidioides immitis; dimorphic fungus

Morphology

Being dimorphic fungus, it occurs in tissue as yeast and in culture (both at 37 degree Celsius and at 25 degree Celsius) as mycelial form.

Source of Infection

In soil, fungus generates spores by separation of fungal filaments (arthrospores).

These spores enters in air then enter in lungs by inhalation.

Where they germinate and develop into small sphere filled with endospores.

Repture of small sphere releases endospores.

Clinical features

Primary pulmonary disease

Meningitis

Fever

Severe pneumonia

Laboratory Diagnosis

Specimen collection

Include sputum, pus, CSF, tissue biopsy 

KOH preparation

Show small sphere with endospores.

Culture of SDA

Incubated 25 degree Celsius for 1-3 week produce white moist then cottony colonies.

Treatment

Treatment with Amphotericin B is highly effective.