Coccidioidomycosis—Possible Fomite Transmission

Abstract

COCCIDIOIDOMYCOSIS is commonly acquired by inhalation of spore bearing air in an endemic area. The incidence is affected by many well-recognized factors including the amount of fungus growing naturally in the vicinity, the degree of artificial alteration of the ecology, the season of the year, amount of rainfall, winds to scatter dust, duration of exposure, occupation, and racial susceptibility.Unusual modes of transmission have been described and include laboratory acquired infections, primary cutaneous inoculation, possible transplacental infection, transmission by fomites, and various combinations. With the exception of fomite transmitted cases, other groups with unusual modes of transmission have been adequately reviewed. Confusion concerning cases attributed to fomites is unavoidable, since many published reports are incomplete and incontrovertible proof is often lacking. Nevertheless, Fiese1 comments

Reactivity to spherule-derived coccidioidin in the southeastern United States

“…Brief residence or even travel through an endemic area can lead to sensitization (14,38). A positive travel history (14,19,21,27,28,44) or history consistent with occupational (20,39) or fomite (1,12,32) exposure can be obtained in most patients with C. immitis infections. C. immitis is known to cause severe infection in exceptional hosts (9) and immunocompromised patients (8,25,34).…”