Coccidioidomycosis

A Review

Coccidioidomycosis should no longer be considered a rare disease confined to a small endemic area in the Southwestern part of the United States and in the Argentine. A high incidence or 25 per cent of infection occurred in personnel stationed in the endemic area during World War II. A similar incidence probably occurred in non-veteran civilians who traveled in endemic area for business, health, or vacation purposes. Bass points out, "Coccidioidomycosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained pulmonary infiltrates especially with nodular densities and cavities which remain unchanged over long periods of time. More widespread use of the coccidioidin skin test will aid in the diagnosis of these coccidioidal lesions."

This disease, then, may be seen in any part of the world. Except for the acute stage, it frequently resembles tuberculosis. In a given patient, when tubercle bacilli are not obtained, coccidioidomycosis should be considered, and its presence or absence determined.