Coccidioidomycosis, a Fungal Infection
Abstract
This research paper is about the fungal disease Coccidioidomycosis. Coccidioidomycosis is found in the southwestern portions of the United States, mainly Arizona and California. Coccidoioidomycosis comes from 2 types of fungi in the top layers of soil, Coccidioides immitis and Coccioides posadasii. People get Coccidioidomycosis by inhaling the spores of these fungi. Inhaling the spores can cause respiratory problems. Not everyone who contracts this disease will need treatment. People who have compressed immune systems are more susceptible to the disease. Coccidioidomycosis can be treated with antifungal treatments.
Keywords: Coccidoioidomycosis, Coccidioides immitis, Coccioides posadasii, fungi
Coccidioidomycosis: An Overview
Coccidioidomycosis, or more commonly Valley Fever, Desert Fever, or Desert Rheumatism is a fungal infection of the lungs that is acquired from the environment. It is most common in North America, especially the southwestern portion of the US and the northern portion of Mexico. Research conducted at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University states that the disease is endemic to the soil of the regions, and that although it isn’t too widespread there are many areas where the risk of infection is much greater, with up to 70% of the human population having been infected one time or another (Iowa State University, 2010). The fungi grows in the top layer of soil, between 2-8 inches. Among most people or animals infected, the infections will be mild, with exceptions being among the elderly, young, those with compromised immune systems, or people of the Blacks and Filipino race (Iowa State University, 2010). Though the disease affects a great number of people in the areas it is predominant, it can affect a large number of mammals, some reptiles, and is especially occurring within dogs....