Updates in Coccidioidomycosis

Coccidioidomycosis is the clinical disease caused by the dimorphic pathogenic fungi Coccidioides immitis and C posadasii. The number of clinically recognized coccidioidomycosis cases continues to increase yearly including in regions outside the traditional regions of endemicity. Following inhalation of Coccidioides spores, the course may range from asymptomatic exposure with resultant immunity, to a subacute pulmonary illness, to life-threatening disseminated infection. This review will summarize recent advances in our understanding of the infection and will include the ecology of Coccidioides, epidemiology and risk factors for infection, vaccine and novel antifungals in development, and management of immunosuppressed patients.