PM10 and Other Climatic Variables Are Important Predictors of Seasonal Variability of Coccidioidomycosis in Arizona

Kollath, Daniel R.; Mihaljevic, Joseph R.; Barker, Bridget M.

doi:10.1128/spectrum.01483-21

Cited by 8 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 48 publications

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“…Statistical modelling has been applied to investigate the changes in Valley fever incidence over time with changes in weather data. Only a weak correlation between weather data could be documented for Kern County in California [ 30 ], compared to areas in Arizona where a stronger correlation was found [ 31 ] using a different statistical model.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Risk of Exposure to Coccidioides spp. in the Temblor Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA), Kern County, CA

et al. 2023

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The Temblor Mountain Special Recreation Area (SRMA) on the western flank of the San Joaquin Valley, CA, is located in the endemic area of Coccidioides, a fungal pathogen responsible for the increasing incidence of coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever). Recreationists in the SRMA, such as off-highway vehicle (OHV) drivers and mountain bikers who disturb the soils, are at risk of being exposed to airborne arthroconidia (asexual spores) of the pathogen. To reduce the risk of pathogen exposure for visitors, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plans to limit recreational activities to areas with a reduced pathogen presence. They envision an official OHV park in the future, by also restricting access to areas with ongoing restoration efforts and by limiting soil erosion in sensitive areas. To investigate which soils in the Temblor SRMA are most likely to support the growth of Coccidioides spp., soil samples were collected over a 3-year period from dominant soil types in a northern and a southern sampling area and analyzed for the pathogen using a culture-independent PCR-based method. In addition, soil pH and electrical conductivity were determined. The results of this study revealed slight genetic variance in the Coccidioides sequences obtained from the soils of the Temblor SRMA. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) could not confirm differences in soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC) between the different soil types investigated and between sites where the pathogen was detected compared to sites where it could not be found. However, the year of sampling appeared to have an influence on observed soil pH and EC, and the presence of the pathogen. Of all dominant soil types investigated, those belonging to the Littlesignal–Cochora association were the least likely to contain the pathogen, whereas soils of the Beam–Panoza–Hillbrick association appeared more supportive. In addition to pointing out OHV areas with lower pathogen exposure risk in the Temblor SRMA, recommendations were made to educate visitors and BLM workers about the risk of contracting Valley fever.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Risk of Exposure to Coccidioides spp. in the Temblor Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA), Kern County, CA

et al. 2023

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“…On the basis of statistical analysis, this study confirmed that PM 2.5 exposure over a period of one month affects invasive aspergillosis. Kollath et al (2022) found a significant association of average PM 10 with Valley fever (coccidioidomycosis), which is caused by Coccidioides spp . PM 10 had the most potent effect in the winter months, leading to increased infections two months after an increase in PM 10 .…”

Section: Infectious Aerosols and Particulatesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The time difference between the outbreak of fungal disease and the increase in airborne PM concentration tends to be longer than other microorganisms. − ,− , The time taken from the time of initial exposure to the fungus to the onset of the disease varies depending on the patient, and the degree of exposure and the activity of the fungus in the air may also differ. In particular, since most fungal diseases, including invasive aspergillosis and coccidioidomycosis, usually occur in individuals with weakened immune systems, the infections are highly dependent on the condition of the patient. ,, The majority of acute respiratory diseases caused by pathogenic fungal infection show incidences with a time lag of one to 2 weeks after air pollution .…”

Section: Infectious Aerosols and Particulatesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Contribution of Particulates to Airborne Disease Transmission and Severity: A Review

Myung,

Joung

2024

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has catalyzed great interest in the spread of airborne pathogens. Airborne infectious diseases are classified into viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. Environmental factors can elevate their transmission and lethality. Air pollution has been reported as the leading environmental cause of disease and premature death worldwide. Notably, ambient particulates of various components and sizes are harmful pollutants. There are two prominent health effects of particles in the atmosphere: (1) particulate matter (PM) penetrates the respiratory tract and adversely affects health, such as heart and respiratory diseases; and (2) bioaerosols of particles act as a medium for the spread of pathogens in the air. Particulates contribute to the occurrence of infectious diseases by increasing vulnerability to infection through inhalation and spreading disease through interactions with airborne pathogens. Here, we focus on the synergistic effects of airborne particulates on infectious disease. We outline the concepts and characteristics of bioaerosols, from their generation to transformation and circulation on Earth. Considering that microorganisms coexist with other particulates as bioaerosols, we investigate studies examining respiratory infections associated with airborne PM. Furthermore, we discuss four factors (meteorological, biological, physical, and chemical) that may impact the influence of PM on the survival of contagious pathogens in the atmosphere. Our review highlights the significant role of particulates in supporting the transmission of infectious aerosols and emphasizes the need for further research in this area.

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“…These effects may be amplified after droughts; incidence in California declined during the 2007–2009 and 2012–2015 droughts but increased markedly in the following two years [ 23 ]. Particulate matter of size less than 10 µm (PM10) is also thought to impact coccidioidomycosis incidence, and PM10 concentration rose by 12% in the Southwest and 29% in the West from 2010–2020 [ 30 , 32 , 33 ].…”

Section: Epidemiologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Update on the Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Coccidioidomycosis

Williams

Chiller

2022

JoF

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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.

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PM10 and Other Climatic Variables Are Important Predictors of Seasonal Variability of Coccidioidomycosis in Arizona

Cited by 8 publications

References 48 publications

Risk of Exposure to Coccidioides spp. in the Temblor Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA), Kern County, CA

Risk of Exposure to Coccidioides spp. in the Temblor Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA), Kern County, CA

Contribution of Particulates to Airborne Disease Transmission and Severity: A Review

Update on the Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Coccidioidomycosis

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