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Coccidioidomycosis Update and Review

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Coccidioidomycosis is a nationally notifiable fungal infection with mandatory reporting in 26 states and the District of Colombia. Identifying patients at risk for coccidioidomycosis infection, ordering appropriate testing, and understanding criteria for pharmacologic treatment are important to management of the disease.

Recent Findings

Cases of coccidioidomycosis are increasing. Surveillance studies show significant diagnostic delay and frequent mistreatment with antibiotics in both endemic areas, and especially when travel acquired cases present in non-endemic states. Studies of physician practice demonstrate that most providers infrequently test for coccidioidomycosis and are uncomfortable with their ability to diagnose or treat the disease. Recent modeling demonstrates that climate change is likely to expand the endemic area of Coccidioides species resulting in further increase in disease burden.

Summary

Patients infected with coccidioidomycosis often present to the emergency department during their disease course, and many patients go undiagnosed until hospital admission. The goal of this review is to keep health care practitioners up to date on current information and recommendations to improve diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiologic data for coccidioidomycosis.

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Data Availability

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  1. Emergency Department, Saint Agnes Medical Center, 1303 E Herndon Ave, Fresno, CA, 93720, USA

    Daniel Schneider

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Schneider, D. Coccidioidomycosis Update and Review. Curr Emerg Hosp Med Rep 11, 169–177 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40138-023-00274-3

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