Coccidioidomycosis can be very serious for immunocompromised patients. The disease may lead to the formation of granulomatous lesions on the face and nose. In severe cases, other major organs can become infected, leading to serious complications such as fatal meningitis.

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Coccidioidomycosis is acquired by inhaling fungal spores. Because the microbe is endemic to the San Joaquin Valley of California, the disease is sometimes referred to as "Valley fever." Coccidioidomycosis is caused by *Coccidioides immitis.*

Coccidioidomycosis

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Signs and Symptoms of Coccidioidomycosis

Coccidioidomycosis can be diagnosed by culturing clinical samples. *C. immitis* grows on laboratory fungal media, such as Sabouraud's dextrose agar, at 35 °C (95 °F). Culturing the fungus, however, is rather dangerous. *C. immitis* is one of the most infectious fungal pathogens known and is capable of causing laboratory-acquired infections. Serological tests for antibody production are more often used for diagnosis for this reason

Diagnosis of Coccidioidomycosis

Although mild cases generally do not require intervention, disseminated infections can be treated with intravenous antifungal drugs like amphotericin B.

Treatment of Coccidioidomycosis

Once in the body, the fungus differentiates into spherules that are filled with endospores. The endospores may be transported in the blood, disseminating the infection and leading to the formation of granulomatous lesions on the face and nose.

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