Case of Coccidioidomycosis of the Lungs
Abstract
The Coccidioides immitis fungus propagates best in alkaline and dry soils, in a dry, hot climate. Symptoms of the disease are normally observed 10 to 21 days after infection. Complaints in the initial phases of the disease are chest pains, headaches, fever, dry cough, sputum with blood, loss of weight and appetite, pains and swelling of joints and skin erythema. In 30 percent of cases there are acute inflammation of the respiratory organs and changes in the lungs and tracheal-bronchial nodes. A secondary form of the disease, disseminated and chronic, occurs in 0.2-1 percent of cases. Mortality is 50-60 percent, and dissemination is observed in lungs, vertebral column, ribs, skin, subcutaneous tissue, spleen, liver, kidneys and brain. Diagnosis is based on the detection of spherules of fungus in the sputum and positive skin tests. Serodiagnosis is based on precipitation reactions and complement fixation tests after infection. Sulfadimezine with amphoteracine B is recommended for treatment. Coccidioidomycosis infection provides lasting immunity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0854029
Entities
People
- Jozef Kisielewicz
Organizations
- United States Army Biological Warfare Laboratories