Abstract
In Arizona, USA, primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis accounts for 15%-29% of community-acquired pneumonia. To determine the evolution of symptoms and changes in laboratory values for patients with mild to moderate coccidioidomycosis during 2010-2012, we conducted a prospective 24-week study of patients with primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis. Of the 36 patients, 16 (44%) were men and 33 (92%) were White. Median age was 53 years, and 20 (56%) had received antifungal treatment at baseline. Symptom scores were higher for patients who received treatment than for those who did not. Median times from symptom onset to 50% reduction and to complete resolution for patients in treatment and nontreatment groups were 9.9 and 9.1 weeks, and 18.7 and 17.8 weeks, respectively. Median times to full return to work were 8.4 and 5.7 weeks, respectively. One patient who received treatment experienced disseminated infection. For otherwise healthy adults with acute coccidioidomycosis, convalescence was prolonged, regardless of whether they received antifungal treatment.
Highlights
In Arizona, USA, primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis accounts for 15%–29% of community-acquired pneumonia
Antifungal treatment was initiated at a median of 21 days of symptoms
Over the past 2 decades, the incidence of coccidioidomycosis has markedly risen in the disease-endemic area [1,2]
Summary
In Arizona, USA, primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis accounts for 15%–29% of community-acquired pneumonia. Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection caused by fungi of the genus Coccidioides This illness is endemic to the southwestern United States. Among Arizona patients with community-acquired pneumonia, 15%–29% have primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis [7,8,9]. Unlike other causes of community-acquired pneumonia, coccidioidomycosis is characterized by slow resolution of symptoms and extreme fatigue [10,11]. Mild to moderate infection has not been clearly defined, it is characterized by symptomatic illness that does not require patient hospitalization. In the study reported here, we sought to describe the clinical course of mild to moderate pulmonary coccidioidomycosis in patients who did or did not receive antifungal therapy
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
