Coccidioides immitis

Question 1

location

Answer 1

Endemic in
desert
southwestern
US, Northern
Mexico, certain
areas of
Central &
South America

Question 2

transmission and risk factors

Answer 2

Inhalation of
arthroconidia
from soil
Highest
exposure in
late
summer/early
fall(dusty
conditions)

Question 3

presentation

Answer 3

Rheumatialogic sydrome,
arthritiis, arthralgia,
erythemanodosum, erythema
multiforme
60% asymptomatic
Remainder: 40% self limited
flu like illness can progress to
secondary form or disseminate

Question 4

Delayed
Hypersensitivity
skin test:

Answer 4

• mycelial phase
  antigen:
  coccidioidin
• spherule
  phase antigen:
  spherulin

Question 5

Calcofluor
stain:

Answer 5

Spherules may
be 20-150
microns
protects spores
from
phagocytosis
Spores are 1-5
microns