Interdisciplinary Science to Confront Coccidioidomycosis

Abstract

The long journey of research to lower risks of Coccidioidomycosis (CM) began in the late 19th century in Argentina and continued north to Mexico, the US and other countries. During this trip, medical science led the way. Although interdisciplinary research is not alien to medical science, e.g. geographic epidemiology, interaction with other disciplines has been low priority. This paper argues that the efficacy of CM mitigation and treatment can be improved through multi- and inter-disciplinary information exchange, particularly with earth and environmental sciences. Greater interaction and open publication practice are essential. Section 1 describes CM-epidemiology, the clinical features, the diagnosis and finally, the treatment.Section 2 discusses epidemiological evidence for atmospheric influence on cases of CM.Section 3 highlights the most important contributions and controversies in the history of CM-research through scientometric or bibliometric evaluations of research that are based on Garfield’s work on the propagation of scientific thinking.