Coccidioidomycosis

Alternative Names

Treatment

The acute disease almost always goes away without treatment. Bedrest and treatment of flu-like symptoms until fever disappears may be recommended.

Disseminated or severe disease should be treated with amphotericin B, ketoconazole, fluconazole, or itraconazole.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The outcome in acute disease is likely to be good. With treatment, for chronic or severe disease, the outcome is usually good (although relapses may occur). People with disseminated disease have a high death rate.

Possible Complications

• Pleural effusion
• Relapse of infection
• Spread of the infection throughout the body
• Complications from medications. In particular, amphotericin B may cause fever, chills, and nausea while it is being given, and may cause abnormal kidney tests after many doses.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of coccidioidomycosis develop.

References

Galgiani JN, Ampel NM, Catanzaro A, Johnson RH, Stevens DA, Williams PL. Practice guidelines for the treatment of coccidioidomycosis. Clin Infect Dis. April 2000;30:658-661.

Chiller TM. Coccidioidomycosis. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2003; 17(1): 41-57, viii.

Murray J, Nadel J. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2000.

Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 5th ed. London, UK: Churchill Livingstone; 2000:2746-2755.

Galgiani JN, Ampel N, Blair JE, et al. Coccidioidomycosis. Clin Infect Dis. 2005;41:1217-23.