Approach to the Diagnosis of Histoplasmosis, Blastomycosis and Coccidioidomycosis

Wheat, L. Joseph; Knox, Kenneth S.; Hage, Chadi A.

doi:10.1007/s40506-014-0020-6

Cited by 8 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 94 publications

(86 reference statements)

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…Persons with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe disease; epidemiologic studies suggest that Black and Pacific Islander persons are also at higher risk for severe disease, and further study is needed to determine the reasons (17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27). Diagnosis of these diseases is complex because of variable clinical presentation, nonspecific chest imaging findings, and resource-intensive diagnostic tests (28,29).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Surveillance for Coccidioidomycosis, Histoplasmosis, and Blastomycosis — United States, 2019

Smith¹,

Williams²,

Benedict³

et al. 2022

MMWR Surveill. Summ.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Problem/Condition: Coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, and blastomycosis are underdiagnosed fungal diseases that often mimic bacterial or viral pneumonia and can cause disseminated disease and death. These diseases are caused by inhalation of fungal spores that have distinct geographic niches in the environment (e.g., soil or dust), and distribution is highly susceptible to climate changes such as expanding arid regions for coccidioidomycosis, the northward expansion of histoplasmosis, and areas like New York reporting cases of blastomycosis previously thought to be nonendemic. The national incidence of coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, and blastomycosis is poorly characterized.Reporting Period: 2019. Description ofSystem: The National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) tracks cases of coccidioidomycosis, a nationally notifiable condition reported to CDC by 26 states and the District of Columbia. Neither histoplasmosis nor blastomycosis is a nationally notifiable condition; however, histoplasmosis is voluntarily reported in 13 states and blastomycosis in five states. Health departments classify cases based on the definitions established by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Surveillance for Coccidioidomycosis, Histoplasmosis, and Blastomycosis — United States, 2019

Smith¹,

Williams²,

Benedict³

et al. 2022

MMWR Surveill. Summ.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…7 Serologic (antibody) tests are most commonly used as initial screening, as this is noninvasive and often returns more rapidly than cultures. [16][17] IgM antibodies may become positive in the first 1 to 3 weeks of the infection, thereby allowing for detection of acute disease. 2,16 IgG antibody levels typically develop later and can be used to indicate the degree of infection.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…2,19 Definitive diagnosis often requires histopathologic examination or culture of the affected tissue, as these are considered the gold standard for diagnosis. 17 Microscopy of extrapulmonary lesions can demonstrate characteristic spherules on fungal stain. 2,17 A specific request to evaluate for fungal organisms may be required if the evaluating laboratory does not routinely test for fungal organisms when performing fluid cultures.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Case of Extra-Articular Coccidioidomycosis in the Knee of a Healthy Patient

Martinez¹,

McClaskey²

2023

J Am Board Fam Med

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection endemic to the Southwestern United States. Extrapulmonary Coccidioides immitis infections are uncommon and occur more frequently in immunocompromised individuals. There is often a delay in diagnosis and treatment due to the chronic, indolent nature of these infections. The clinical presentation is often nonspecific, and includes joint pain, erythema, or localized swelling. Therefore, these infections may only be identified after initial treatment failure and further workup is pursued. The majority of reported cases of coccidioidomycosis involving the knee have had intra-articular involvement or extension. This report describes a rare case of peri-articular Coccidioides immitis abscess of the knee that does not communicate with the joint in a healthy patient. This case illustrates the low threshold needed for additional testing, such as fluid or tissue sampling of joint-related fluid collections if the etiology is unclear. A high index of suspicion is prudent to avoid diagnostic delay, particularly for individuals who either reside in or travel to endemic areas.

show abstract

“…Histopathology and cytopathology represent other traditional methods used to identify the organism in clinical specimens. Sensitivities of histopathology (23–84%) and cytopathology (15–75%) also vary greatly [ 114 ].…”

Section: Diagnosismentioning

confidence: 99%

Update on the Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Coccidioidomycosis

Williams

Chiller

2022

JoF

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii. The dimorphic fungi live in the soils of arid and semi-arid regions of the western United States, as well as parts of Mexico, Central America, and South America. Incidence of disease has risen consistently in recent years, and the geographic distribution of Coccidioides spp. appears to be expanding beyond previously known areas of endemicity. Climate factors are predicted to further extend the range of environments suitable for the growth and dispersal of Coccidioides species. Most infections are asymptomatic, though a small proportion result in severe or life-threatening forms of disease. Primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis is commonly mistaken for community-acquired pneumonia, often leading to inappropriate antibacterial treatment and unnecessary healthcare costs. Diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis is challenging and often relies on clinician suspicion to pursue laboratory testing. Advancements in diagnostic tools and antifungal therapy developments seek to improve the early detection and effective management of infection. This review will highlight recent updates and summarize the current understanding of the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of coccidioidomycosis.

show abstract

Approach to the Diagnosis of Histoplasmosis, Blastomycosis and Coccidioidomycosis

Cited by 8 publications

References 94 publications

Surveillance for Coccidioidomycosis, Histoplasmosis, and Blastomycosis — United States, 2019

Surveillance for Coccidioidomycosis, Histoplasmosis, and Blastomycosis — United States, 2019

A Case of Extra-Articular Coccidioidomycosis in the Knee of a Healthy Patient

Update on the Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Coccidioidomycosis

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About