Serum Protein Profiles in Coccidioidomycosis

Abstract

Coccidioidomycosis is, in most patients, a relatively benign, self-limited infection. In relatively few patients, however, the primary pulmonary infection is followed by progressive dissemination. This spread may occur to almost any organ with the exception of the gastro-intestinal tract. Dissemination into the brain via the meninges particularly threatens serious consequences for the patient. Alter the acute pulmonary lesion has subsided, a solitary cyst or coccidioidoma, both relatively benign lesions, may remain. However, in a few patients, progressive lung disease may occur, frequently associated with dissemination elsewhere in the body. The acute pulmonary infection may be associated with toxic erythema or cutaneous signs of hypersensitivity (erythema nodosum and/or crythema multiforme). Other manifestations of hypersensitivity may include arthralgias and conjunctivitis. These symptoms usually indicate an excellent prognosis for the patient (1—5). This study is based on 40 patients representing the common forms of coccidioidomycosis. They were categorized into four main groups on the basis of their clinical manifestations (Table I). These 40 patients represent a fairly typical crosssection of those seen in a county hospital in an endemic area. These categories were as follows: I. Primary pulmonary infection (9 patients)