1
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Sivasubramanian G, Kadakia S, Kim JM, Pervaiz S, Yan Y, Libke R. Challenges in the Long-term Management of Patients With Coccidioidal Meningitis: A Retrospective Analysis of Treatment and Outcomes. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad243. [PMID: 37333722 PMCID: PMC10270562 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Coccidioidal meningitis (CM) is the most severe form of disseminated coccidioidomycosis. Despite years of clinical experience, it remains a difficult condition to treat, often requiring surgical procedures, such as placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, in addition to lifelong antifungal therapy. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with CM seen in a large referral center in Central Valley, California, from 2010 to 2020. Data pertinent to CM were collected and analyzed. Results Among 133 patients with CM identified in the 10-year period, nonadherence to antifungal therapy was noted in 43% of patients. Of the 80 patients who underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement for management of intracranial pressure, shunt failure requiring revision surgery occurred in 42 (52.5%). Rehospitalizations due to CM-related reasons occurred in 78 of 133 patients (59%). Twenty-three percent of patients (n = 29) died due to complications from CM, on an average 22 months after the diagnosis of CM. Encephalopathy at presentation was associated with a significantly higher risk of death. Conclusions Patients with CM in central California are predominantly rural agricultural workers with elevated levels of poverty and low health literacy and many barriers to care, leading to high rates of medication nonadherence and loss to follow-up outpatient care. Management challenges are frequent, such as failure of antifungal therapy, high rates of rehospitalization, and the need for repeated shunt revision surgeries. In addition to the development of curative new antifungal agents, understanding the barriers to patient adherence to care and antifungal therapy and identifying means to overcome such barriers are of paramount importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetha Sivasubramanian
- Correspondence: Geetha Sivasubramanian, MD, FIDSA, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco at Fresno, 155 N Fresno St, Suite 307, Fresno, CA 93701 (); Robert Libke, MD, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco at Fresno, 155 N Fresno St, Suite 307, Fresno, CA 93701 ()
| | - Saurin Kadakia
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, Fresno, California, USA
| | - Jani M Kim
- Division of Infectious Disease, University of California, San Francisco, Fresno, California, USA
| | - Sarah Pervaiz
- Division of Infectious Disease, University of California, San Francisco, Fresno, California, USA
| | - Yueqi Yan
- HSRI Biostatistics and Data Support Core, University of California, Merced, California, USA
| | - Robert Libke
- Correspondence: Geetha Sivasubramanian, MD, FIDSA, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco at Fresno, 155 N Fresno St, Suite 307, Fresno, CA 93701 (); Robert Libke, MD, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco at Fresno, 155 N Fresno St, Suite 307, Fresno, CA 93701 ()
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2
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Galgiani JN, Hsu AP, Powell DA, Vyas JM, Holland SM. Genetic and Other Determinants for the Severity of Coccidioidomycosis: A Clinician's Perspective. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9050554. [PMID: 37233265 DOI: 10.3390/jof9050554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The endemic fungal infection, coccidioidomycosis, occurs after inhalation of one or very few Coccidioides spp. spores. Infections produce diverse clinical manifestations, ranging from insignificant to extremely destructive, even fatal. Approaches to understanding this range of consequences have traditionally categorized patients into a small number of groups (asymptomatic, uncomplicated self-limited, fibro-cavitary, and extra-thoracic disseminated) and then looked for immunologic differences among them. Recently, variants within genes of innate pathways have been found to account, in part, for infections that result in disseminated disease. This discovery raises the very attractive theory that, in patients without severe immunosuppression, much of the disease spectrum can be accounted for by various combinations of such deleterious variants in innate pathways. In this review, we summarize what is known about genetic determinants that are responsible for the severity of coccidioidal infections and how complex innate genetic differences among different people might account for the spectrum of disease observed clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- John N Galgiani
- Valley Fever Center for Excellence, College of Medicine-Tucson, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine-Tucson, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- Department of Immunobiology, College of Medicine-Tucson, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Amy P Hsu
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Daniel A Powell
- Valley Fever Center for Excellence, College of Medicine-Tucson, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Jatin M Vyas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Steven M Holland
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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3
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Magdalany AN, Nailor MD, Gonzalez O, Goodlet KJ. Can fluconazole be used for inpatient re-treatment of coccidioidomycosis among patients with past fluconazole exposures? Mycoses 2023; 66:150-156. [PMID: 36135351 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coccidioides spp. may cause significant disease requiring hospitalisation, but optimal antifungal therapy among inpatients following outpatient fluconazole exposures is unknown. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to describe the effectiveness of fluconazole among patients hospitalised for coccidioidomycosis despite recent outpatient fluconazole treatment. PATIENTS/METHODS Patients were admitted to an academic medical center in Phoenix, Arizona from 1 January 2013 through 31 December 2020 for coccidioidomycosis following at least 30 days of outpatient treatment and re-initiation of fluconazole upon admission. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with an improved response per the change in the modified Mycosis Study Group (MSG) score (a composite of symptoms, serology and radiographic findings) and clinician impressions. RESULTS Sixty-seven patients were included, with most (54%) admitted to the intensive care unit. Meningitis was the most common infectious presentation (55%), 17 patients (25%) had multiple infection sites, and 23 (34%) were culture-positive for Coccidioides. Upon admission, the median (IQR) MSG score was 11 (9-14), which dropped to 4 (1-7) at end of therapy or last follow-up. Overall, after initiation of fluconazole therapy at a median daily dose of 800 mg, 48 patients (72%) improved in overall status, 10 (15%) showed stable disease and 9 (13%) were unresponsive. Improved response rates were high across all infection sites, including meningitis (68%) and bone infection (71%). There was no significant difference in response rates between patients with and without reported outpatient fluconazole nonadherence. CONCLUSIONS The majority of patients admitted to the hospital for coccidioidomycosis appeared responsive to fluconazole therapy despite past outpatient exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy N Magdalany
- Department of Pharmacy Services, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Michael D Nailor
- Department of Pharmacy Services, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Omar Gonzalez
- Infectious Disease Division, Arizona Pulmonary Specialists, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Kellie J Goodlet
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Midwestern University College of Pharmacy, Glendale, Arizona, USA
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4
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Published literature on musculoskeletal coccidioidomycosis is sparse and limited to case reports and case series. This is one of the largest case series to describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis, medical and surgical management and outcomes of pediatric musculoskeletal coccidioidomycosis at a tertiary care hospital. METHOD A retrospective case review was performed on patients ≤ 21 years old who were followed at a tertiary care center with a diagnosis of musculoskeletal coccidioidomycosis from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2020. Descriptive data are expressed as medians and interquartile range (IQR) for continuous variables or as frequency and percentage for categorical variables. Categorical values were compared using the χ2 test. RESULTS Forty-one patients were identified. The median age was 12.8 years, and most were male (71%), Latinx (66%) and healthy (71%). Limb swelling (66%), bone pain (54%) and joint pain (46%) were the most common presenting symptoms. Multiple bone involvement was present in 29% while 12% had the joint disease, and craniofacial (n = 10) and metacarpal/metatarsal bones (n=9) were the most commonly involved sites. Elevated Coccidioides complement fixation (CF) titers ≥1:32 were seen in 90% of the patients. Thirty-three patients (81%) required surgical interventions and of these 16 (48%) required additional surgical procedures. Eleven patients (27%) had disease relapse. Children >13 years of age were more likely to have > 1 organ involvement (16 vs. 7, P = 0.04), multiple bone involvement (10 vs. 2, P = 0.004) and maximum Coccidioides CF titers >1:128 (13 vs. 6, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS In endemic areas, musculoskeletal coccidioidomycosis causes a substantial disease burden in children and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of those presenting with bone and joint pain or swelling. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to minimize long-term morbidity and mortality.
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5
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Pulmonary Coccidioidomycosis: A Case Report and Literature Review. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58050655. [PMID: 35630071 PMCID: PMC9143117 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58050655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis is an infectious disease caused by Coccidioides immitis or C. posadasii fungus. Humans usually get infected by inhaling spores risen from the soil. Although in 60 percent of cases symptoms are absent, remaining patients can develop various manifestations of the disease, from flu-like symptoms to severe dissemination or meningitis. In endemic regions (California, Arizona, Mexico, Central, and South America), pulmonary coccidioidomycosis causes 25% of community-acquired cases of pneumonia. We present the first registered case of pulmonary coccidioidomycosis in Lithuania. Clinical presentation, pathogenesis, treatment options, and diagnostic alternatives are discussed.
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6
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Carter TD, Fuller BD, Shaver SL, Foy DS. Retrospective evaluation of the efficacy of fluconazole for the treatment of coccidioidomycosis in dogs: 49 cases (2015-2020). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2022; 260:1200-1205. [PMID: 35544418 DOI: 10.2460/javma.22.01.0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize the clinical course and therapeutic response in dogs with coccidioidomycosis treated with fluconazole. ANIMALS 49 client-owned dogs with coccidioidomycosis that were treated with fluconazole and had ≥ 2 follow-up examinations. PROCEDURES Medical records were retrospectively searched to identify dogs in which coccidioidomycosis was diagnosed between January 2015 and May 2020. Data recorded from each dog included signalment, clinical signs, diagnostic test results, and treatment. RESULTS Dogs were treated with fluconazole at a median initial dosage of 19.7 mg/kg/d. Median treatment duration was 298.5 days, with 26 of the 49 dogs completing treatment during the study period. Respiratory signs, lethargy, and hyporexia were the most common clinical signs. Frequency of lethargy decreased after 30 days, whereas frequency of hyporexia and respiratory signs decreased after 90 days. Median IgG titer at diagnosis was 1:32 and was significantly decreased, compared with baseline titer, at all recheck intervals after 90 days. Hyperglobulinemia, monocytosis, and neutrophilia were the most common clinicopathologic abnormalities. Hyperglobulinemia resolved within 30 days, neutrophilia resolved within 90 days, and monocytosis resolved after 180 days. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Improvements in clinical signs, titers, and clinicopathologic abnormalities were observed after initiation of treatment with fluconazole. Improvement began as early as the first 3 months of treatment, but some variables did not resolve until after 6 to 9 months of treatment. This information provides clinical guidance and describes expectations when prescribing fluconazole to treat coccidioidomycosis in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd D Carter
- 1Department of Specialty Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ
| | - Brenley D Fuller
- 2College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ
| | - Stephanie L Shaver
- 1Department of Specialty Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ
| | - Daniel S Foy
- 1Department of Specialty Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ
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Bagaria M, Worthington J, Magtibay PM, McCullough A, Louie M. Abdominopelvic coccidiomycosis: Diagnosis and management. J Minim Invasive Gynecol 2022; 29:1023-1025. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2022.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Reactivation of Coccidioides immitis in a Prosthetic Knee after Initiation of Chemotherapy. Case Rep Hematol 2022; 2021:3964465. [PMID: 34970462 PMCID: PMC8714342 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3964465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidioides is an endemic fungus in the Southwestern United States and Central and South America. Coccidioidomycosis primary infections are typically of the lung with an asymptomatic or self-limiting course. Some infections disseminate to other parts of the body and a few can remain latent for many years. Reactivation of latent fungal disease can occur following an insult to the host immune system. Here, we describe a case of a 76-year-old Caucasian male patient who moved from California to Wisconsin with a history of coccidioidomycosis infection of the left knee that reactivated decades later in his prosthetic knee shortly after being initiated on ibrutinib (Imbruvica), a Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). There have been some case reports regarding coccidioidomycosis infections after initiating ibrutinib therapy but none with a 50 year latency period before reactivation. Readers will learn the immunological effects of ibrutinib on the hosts' innate and adaptive immunity and its role in putting the host at risk for invasive fungal infections. We also review the literature and data on treatment regimens and recommendations based on current guidelines.
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9
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Gonzalez R, Naeem F, Ozaki Y, Vijayan V. Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis in an Adolescent With Crohn's Disease. Cureus 2021; 13:e19980. [PMID: 34984138 PMCID: PMC8714043 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis caused by Coccidioides immitis/posadasii. This dimorphic fungus is endemic to the Southwestern United States, particularly in California and Arizona. Most infections are asymptomatic or mild, but around 5% of patients develop complicated pulmonary infection, and approximately 1% may progress to disseminated disease. We present the case of an adolescent male with Crohn's disease who received the integrin inhibitor, vedolizumab, and developed disseminated coccidioidomycosis. This case underscores the importance of considering severe and/or disseminated coccidioidomycosis in immunosuppressed children. In our case, clinical suspicion and bronchoscopy helped confirm the diagnosis and facilitate appropriate evaluation and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fouzia Naeem
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Valley Children's Healthcare, Madera, USA
| | | | - Vini Vijayan
- Pediatrics, Valley Children's Healthcare, Madera, USA
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10
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Messina JA, Maziarz EK, Galgiani J, Truong JT, Htoo AK, Heidari A, Johnson RH, Narang AT, Donovan FM, Ewell M, Catanzaro A, Thompson GR, Ampel NM, Perfect JR, Naggie S, Walter EB. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of fluconazole as early empiric treatment of coccidioidomycosis pneumonia (Valley Fever) in adults presenting with community-acquired pneumonia in endemic areas (FLEET-Valley Fever). Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2021; 24:100851. [PMID: 34712863 PMCID: PMC8528682 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2021.100851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection endemic in the southwestern United States (US). Primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis (PPC) is a leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in this region, although its diagnosis is often delayed, leading to lag in antifungal treatment and subsequent morbidity. The impact of early empiric antifungal therapy as part of treatment for CAP in endemic areas on clinical outcomes is unknown. Methods Phase IV randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in individuals aged 18 years or older with CAP who met all eligibility criteria in Coccidioides endemic regions in the US. Eligible participants with CAP were randomized to receive either fluconazole (400 mg daily) or matching placebo for 42 days and were subsequently monitored for clinical resolution of their illness. Objectives The primary objective was to assess the clinical response of early empiric antifungal therapy with fluconazole through Day 22 in subjects with PPC who were adherent to the study intervention. Secondary objectives included: assessments of the impact of early empiric antifungal therapy with fluconazole through Day 22 and 43 in subjects with PPC regardless of adherence, comparisons of the clinical response and its individual components over time by treatment group in subjects with PPC, assessments of days lost from work or school, hospitalization, and all-cause mortality. Discussion This trial was halted early due to slow enrollment (72 participants in one year, 33 received fluconazole and 39 received placebo). Of those enrolled, eight (11%) met the study definition of PPC. The study design and challenges are discussed. Clinical impact of early antifungal therapy for pneumonia in Coccidioides endemic regions is unknown. We designed a phase IV trial in adults with community-acquired pneumonia in regions endemic for Coccidioides. Trial was halted early due to slow enrollment and low prevalence of coccidioidomycosis in the enrollment population. Lost to follow-up and treatment discontinuation were common in this trial.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John Galgiani
- Valley Fever Center for Excellence, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Aung K Htoo
- Southern California Kaiser Permanente, Kern County, CA, USA
| | - Arash Heidari
- Valley Fever Institute, Kern Medical, Bakersfield, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - George R Thompson
- University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Susanna Naggie
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.,Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Emmanuel B Walter
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.,Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA.,Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Durham, NC, USA
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11
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Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis, caused by the dimorphic pathogenic fungi Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadassi, is endemic to the southwestern United states and Central and South America. The incidence of coccidioidomycosis continues to increase. Coccidioidomycosis is typically a self-limiting influenza-like respiratory illness; however, it can lead to disseminated disease outside of the lungs. Not all nondisseminated cases require therapy, but antifungal therapy is typically beneficial requiring treatment ranging from months to lifelong. Clinical factors related to treatment decisions include severity of symptoms, radiography, coccidioidomycosis serologic results, and concurrent medical problems including immunosuppression. This review summarizes the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek J Bays
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California Davis Medical Center, 4150 V Street, PSSB, Suite G500, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - George R Thompson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California Davis Medical Center, 4150 V Street, PSSB, Suite G500, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
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12
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Huang J, Cano EJ, Shweta F, Shah AS, Schuetz AN, Bois M, Gurram PR. Infected Aneurysm of the Native Aorta due to Coccidioides posadasii. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab266. [PMID: 34159219 PMCID: PMC8214011 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis is an endemic fungal infection that is typically asymptomatic or associated with pulmonary disease. Extrapulmonary disease may involve the skin, bones, or central nervous system, yet endovascular infections are exceedingly rare. We report the first case, to our knowledge, of coccidioidomycosis of the native aorta in an immunocompromised host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Huang
- Division of Critical Care, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Edison J Cano
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Fnu Shweta
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Aditya S Shah
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Audrey N Schuetz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Melanie Bois
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Pooja R Gurram
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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13
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Panicker RR, Bartels HC, Gotway MB, Ampel NM, Buras MR, Lim ES, Blair JE. Cavitary Coccidioidomycosis: Impact of azole antifungal therapy. Med Mycol 2021; 59:834-841. [PMID: 33724424 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myab011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 5 to 15% of patients with pulmonary coccidioidomycosis subsequently develop pulmonary cavities. These cavities may resolve spontaneously over a number of years; however, some cavities never close, and a small proportion causes complications such as hemorrhage, pneumothorax or empyema. The impact of azole antifungal treatment on coccidioidal cavities has not been studied. Because azoles are a common treatment for symptomatic pulmonary coccidioidomycosis, we aimed to assess the impact of azole therapy on cavity closure. From January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2014, we retrospectively identified 313 patients with cavitary coccidioidomycosis and excluded 42 who had the cavity removed surgically, leaving 271 data sets available for study. Of the 271 patients, 221 (81.5%) received azole therapy during 5-year follow-up; 50 patients did not receive antifungal treatment. Among the 271 patients, cavities closed in 38 (14.0%). Statistical modeling showed that cavities were more likely to close in patients in the treated group than in the nontreated group (hazard ratio, 2.14 [95% CI: 1.45-5.66]). Cavities were less likely to close in active smokers than nonsmokers (11/41 [26.8%] vs 97/182 [53.3%]; P = 0.002) or in persons with than without diabetes (27/74 [36.5%] vs 81/149 [54.4%]; P = 0.01).We did not find an association between cavity size and closure. Our findings provide rationale for further study of treatment protocols in this subset of patients with coccidioidomycosis. LAY SUMMARY Coccidioidomycosis, known as valley fever, is a fungal infection that infrequently causes cavities to form in the lungs, which potentially results in long-term lung symptoms. We learned that cavities closed more often in persons who received antifungal drugs, but most cavities never closed completely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renni R Panicker
- Research Trainee (limited tenure), Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA, now with the Department of Internal Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Lafayette, Louisiana, 70504, USA
| | - Helen C Bartels
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, 85259, USA
| | - Michael B Gotway
- Division of Cardiothoracic Radiology, Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, 85054, USA
| | - Neil M Ampel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, 85054, USA
| | | | | | - Janis E Blair
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, 85054, USA
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14
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Ampel NM. Coccidioidomycosis: Changing Concepts and Knowledge Gaps. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6040354. [PMID: 33321746 PMCID: PMC7770576 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Although first described more than 120 years ago, much remains unknown about coccidioidomycosis. In this review, new information that has led to changing concepts will be reviewed and remaining gaps in our knowledge will be discussed. In particular, new ideas regarding ecology and epidemiology, problems and promises of diagnosis, controversies over management, and the possibility of a vaccine will be covered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil M Ampel
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medicine and Immunobiology University of Arizona, 1501 North Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
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15
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Viriyakosol S, Kapoor M, Okamoto S, Covel J, Soltow QA, Trzoss M, Shaw KJ, Fierer J. APX001 and Other Gwt1 Inhibitor Prodrugs Are Effective in Experimental Coccidioides immitis Pneumonia. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 63:e01715-18. [PMID: 30455238 PMCID: PMC6355600 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01715-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis is a systemic fungal infection caused by the inhalation of the arthroconidia of either of two closely related dimorphic fungi, Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii, that are endemic in the southwestern United States and other areas in the Western Hemisphere. Chronic cavitary pulmonary infections and extrapulmonary sites of infection are very difficult to treat and often require lifelong azole therapy. APX001A is the first in a new class of broad-spectrum antifungal agents that inhibit Gwt1, an enzyme which is required for cell wall localization of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored mannoproteins in fungi. APX001A and several analogs were highly active against clinical isolates of Coccidioides, inhibiting hyphal growth at low nanogram/ml concentrations. APX001 is the N-phosphonooxymethyl prodrug of APX001A, currently in clinical trials for the treatment of invasive fungal infections. Mice were treated orally once daily with 26 mg/kg/day of APX001 and the prodrug analog APX2097, 2 h after administration of the pan-cytochrome P450 inhibitor 1-aminobenzotriazole, which was used to enhance drug half-life and exposures to more closely mimic human pharmacokinetics of APX001A. Five days of treatment reduced lung colony counts by nearly 3 logs and prevented dissemination, similar to the efficacy of fluconazole dosed orally at 25 mg/kg twice daily. In a survival experiment, both APX001- and APX2097-treated mice survived significantly longer than control and fluconazole-treated mice. APX001 and other members of this new class of antifungal agents may offer great promise as effective therapies for coccidioidomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mili Kapoor
- Amplyx Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Sharon Okamoto
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UC San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Joshua Fierer
- VA Healthcare, San Diego, California, USA
- Amplyx Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, California, USA
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Coccidioidomycosis Complement Fixation Titer Trends in the Age of Antifungals. J Clin Microbiol 2018; 56:JCM.01318-18. [PMID: 30257902 PMCID: PMC6258849 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01318-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis is associated with a broad spectrum of illness severity, ranging from asymptomatic or self-limited pulmonary infection to life-threatening manifestations of disseminated disease. Serologic studies before the widespread availability of antifungals established current understanding of serologic kinetics and dynamics. Coccidioidomycosis is associated with a broad spectrum of illness severity, ranging from asymptomatic or self-limited pulmonary infection to life-threatening manifestations of disseminated disease. Serologic studies before the widespread availability of antifungals established current understanding of serologic kinetics and dynamics. Chart histories and complement fixation (CF) titer trends were analyzed for 434 antifungal-treated coccidioidomycosis patients, who were classified by three infectious disease physicians as having either pulmonary uncomplicated coccidioidomycosis (PUC) (n = 248), pulmonary chronic coccidioidomycosis (PCC) (n = 64), disseminated coccidioidomycosis (DC) not including meningitis (n = 86), or coccidioidal meningitis (CM) (n = 36). The median maximal CF titers were 1:4 for PUC patients, 1:24 for PCC patients, 1:128 for DC patients, and 1:32 for CM patients. Approximately 25.4% of PUC patients, 6.2% of PCC patients, 2.3% of DC patients, and 8.3% of CM patients did not develop detectable titers during the study period. Maximal titers developed a mean of 31 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 13 to 50 days) after initial serologic positivity, with no significant differences between groups. Serologic recurrence occurred in 9% of PUC patients, 36% of PCC patients, 50% of DC patients, and 52% of CM patients. Median titer improvement rates were 91 days/dilution for PUC patients, 112 days/dilution for PCC patients, 136 days/dilution for DC patients, and 146 days/dilution for CM patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that CF testing retains moderate classification value for disseminated infections (area under the curve [AUC], 0.82 [95% CI, 0.78 to 0.87]) and complicated infections (AUC, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.77 to 0.86]). A suitable cutoff value for complicated infections is ≥1:32. Findings update serologic parameters that are relevant for clinical assessment of coccidioidomycosis patients in the triazole era.
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Martinez-Del-Campo E, Kalb S, Rangel-Castilla L, Moon K, Moran A, Gonzalez O, Soriano-Baron H, Theodore N. Spinal Coccidioidomycosis: A Current Review of Diagnosis and Management. World Neurosurg 2017; 108:69-75. [PMID: 28844921 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2017.08.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Coccidioidomycosis is an invasive fungal disease that may present with extrathoracic dissemination. Patients with spinal coccidioidomycosis require unique medical and surgical management. We review the risk factors and clinical presentations, discuss the indications for surgical intervention, and evaluate outcomes and complications after medical and surgical management. METHODS A review of the English-language literature was performed. Eighteen articles included the management of 140 patients with spinal coccidioidomycosis. RESULTS For the 140 patients, risk factors included male sex (95%), African American ethnicity (52%), and a recent visit to endemic areas (16%). The most frequent clinical presentation was pain (n = 80, 57%), followed by neurologic compression (52%). One-third of patients had concurrent pulmonary disease. The sensitivity of culture and histology for coccidioidomycosis was 80% and 90%, respectively. Complement fixation titers >1:128 suggest extensive or refractory vertebral infection. The most commonly affected spinal segments were the thoracic and lumbar spine (69%); an additional 40 patients (29%) had epidural and paravertebral abscesses. All patients received therapy with azoles (60%) and/or amphotericin B (43%). Surgical and medical management were used conjunctively to treat 110 patients (79%), with debridement (95% [105/110]) and fusion (64% [70/110]) being the most common surgical procedures. Clinical outcome improved/remained unchanged in 83 patients (59%) and worsened in 4 patients (3%). The mortality was 7%. Infection recurrence and disease progression were the most frequent complications. CONCLUSIONS Emphasis should be placed on continuous and lifelong appropriate azole therapy. Spinal instability and neurologic compromise are surgical indications for decompression and fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Martinez-Del-Campo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, Saint Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Samuel Kalb
- Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, Saint Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Leonardo Rangel-Castilla
- Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, Saint Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Karam Moon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, Saint Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Ana Moran
- Infectious Disease Division, Arizona Pulmonary Specialists, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Omar Gonzalez
- Infectious Disease Division, Arizona Pulmonary Specialists, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Hector Soriano-Baron
- Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, Saint Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Nicholas Theodore
- Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, Saint Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
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Hartmann CA, Aye WT, Blair JE. Treatment considerations in pulmonary coccidioidomycosis. Expert Rev Respir Med 2016; 10:1079-91. [PMID: 27635942 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2017.1234378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Coccidioidomycosis is an endemic fungal infection caused by the soil-dwelling fungi, Coccidioides species. Coccidioidal infections may be asymptomatic in up to two-thirds of infected persons. Pulmonary coccidioidomycosis is the most common form of symptomatic infection. Fluconazole is the antifungal agent typically used to treat pulmonary coccidioidomycosis. Other azoles and amphotericin B products may be prescribed to treat nuanced aspects of coccidioidomycosis. AREAS COVERED This review discusses current literature regarding medical treatment options, including the various triazoles and amphotericin B products. In addition, we discuss uncomplicated and complicated pulmonary infections and their sequelae and the approach to managing coccidioidomycosis in certain populations of patients, such as pregnant women, transplant recipients, individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus, and recipients of tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors. Expert commentary: Symptomatic coccidioidomycosis can present physicians with a number of challenges, including the lack of sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests and lack of a standard treatment approach for all patients with the infection. Ongoing and future clinical trials will determine the optimal diagnostic, therapeutic, and prophylactic approaches, particularly for patients with comorbid conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Hartmann
- a Division of Infectious Diseases , Mayo Clinic Hospital , Phoenix , AZ , USA
| | - Wint T Aye
- b Department of Internal Medicine , Mayo Clinic , Scottsdale , AZ , USA
| | - Janis E Blair
- a Division of Infectious Diseases , Mayo Clinic Hospital , Phoenix , AZ , USA
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Galgiani JN, Ampel NM, Blair JE, Catanzaro A, Geertsma F, Hoover SE, Johnson RH, Kusne S, Lisse J, MacDonald JD, Meyerson SL, Raksin PB, Siever J, Stevens DA, Sunenshine R, Theodore N. 2016 Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Coccidioidomycosis. Clin Infect Dis 2016; 63:e112-46. [PMID: 27470238 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciw360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 317] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
It is important to realize that guidelines cannot always account for individual variation among patients. They are not intended to supplant physician judgment with respect to particular patients or special clinical situations. Infectious Diseases Society of America considers adherence to these guidelines to be voluntary, with the ultimate determination regarding their application to be made by the physician in the light of each patient's individual circumstances.Coccidioidomycosis, also known as San Joaquin Valley fever, is a systemic infection endemic to parts of the southwestern United States and elsewhere in the Western Hemisphere. Residence in and recent travel to these areas are critical elements for the accurate recognition of patients who develop this infection. In this practice guideline, we have organized our recommendations to address actionable questions concerning the entire spectrum of clinical syndromes. These can range from initial pulmonary infection, which eventually resolves whether or not antifungal therapy is administered, to a variety of pulmonary and extrapulmonary complications. Additional recommendations address management of coccidioidomycosis occurring for special at-risk populations. Finally, preemptive management strategies are outlined in certain at-risk populations and after unintentional laboratory exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Neil M Ampel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Arizona, Tucson
| | - Janis E Blair
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona
| | - Antonino Catanzaro
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of California, San Diego
| | - Francesca Geertsma
- Department of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases, Stanford University School of Medicine, California
| | | | - Royce H Johnson
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Department of Medicine, Kern Medical Center, Bakersfield, California
| | - Shimon Kusne
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona
| | - Jeffrey Lisse
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Arizona, Tucson
| | - Joel D MacDonald
- Department of Neurosurgery School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Shari L Meyerson
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine
| | - Patricia B Raksin
- Division of Neurosurgery, John H. Stroger Jr Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - David A Stevens
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Stanford University School of Medicine, California
| | - Rebecca Sunenshine
- Career Epidemiology Field Officer Program, Division of State and Local Readiness, Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Maricopa County Department of Public Health
| | - Nicholas Theodore
- Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona
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Abstract
Therapy of coccidioidomycosis continues to evolve. For primary pulmonary disease,
antifungal therapy is frequently not required while prolonged courses of antifungals
are generally needed for those in whom extrathoracic disseminated has occurred.
Intravenous amphotericin B should be reserved for those with severe disease. Oral
triazole antifungals have had a great impact on the management of coccidioidomycosis.
Both fluconazole and itraconazole at 400 mg daily have been effective for various
forms of coccidioidomycosis, including meningitis, although relapse after therapy is
discontinued is a problem. Individuals with suppressed cellular immunity are at
increased risk for symptomatic coccidioidomycosis and they include those with HIV
infection, those on immunosuppressive medications, and those who have received a
solid organ transplant. Pregnant women and African-American men have been identified
as two other groups who are at an increased risk for symptomatic and severe
infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil M Ampel
- College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Coccidioidomycosis Masquerading as Eosinophilic Ascites. Case Rep Gastrointest Med 2015; 2015:891910. [PMID: 26266062 PMCID: PMC4523687 DOI: 10.1155/2015/891910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Endemic to the southwestern parts of the United States, coccidioidomycosis, also known as "Valley Fever," is a common fungal infection that primarily affects the lungs in both acute and chronic forms. Disseminated coccidioidomycosis is the most severe but very uncommon and usually occurs in immunocompromised individuals. It can affect the central nervous system, bones, joints, skin, and, very rarely, the abdomen. This is the first case report of a patient with coccidioidal dissemination to the peritoneum presenting as eosinophilic ascites (EA). A 27-year-old male presented with acute abdominal pain and distention from ascites. He had eosinophilia of 11.1% with negative testing for stool studies, HIV, and tuberculosis infection. Ascitic fluid exam was remarkable for low serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG), PMN count >250/mm(3), and eosinophils of 62%. Abdominal imaging showed thickened small bowel and endoscopic testing negative for gastric and small bowel biopsies. He was treated empirically for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, but no definitive diagnosis could be made until coccidioidal serology returned positive. We noted complete resolution of symptoms with oral fluconazole during outpatient follow-up. Disseminated coccidioidomycosis can present in an atypical fashion and may manifest as peritonitis with low SAAG EA. The finding of EA in an endemic area should raise the suspicion of coccidioidal dissemination.
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Blair JE, Chang YHH, Cheng MR, Vaszar LT, Vikram HR, Orenstein R, Kusne S, Ho S, Seville MT, Parish JM. Characteristics of patients with mild to moderate primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis. Emerg Infect Dis 2015; 20:983-90. [PMID: 24865953 PMCID: PMC4036774 DOI: 10.3201/eid2006.131842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In Arizona, USA, primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis accounts for 15%-29% of community-acquired pneumonia. To determine the evolution of symptoms and changes in laboratory values for patients with mild to moderate coccidioidomycosis during 2010-2012, we conducted a prospective 24-week study of patients with primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis. Of the 36 patients, 16 (44%) were men and 33 (92%) were White. Median age was 53 years, and 20 (56%) had received antifungal treatment at baseline. Symptom scores were higher for patients who received treatment than for those who did not. Median times from symptom onset to 50% reduction and to complete resolution for patients in treatment and nontreatment groups were 9.9 and 9.1 weeks, and 18.7 and 17.8 weeks, respectively. Median times to full return to work were 8.4 and 5.7 weeks, respectively. One patient who received treatment experienced disseminated infection. For otherwise healthy adults with acute coccidioidomycosis, convalescence was prolonged, regardless of whether they received antifungal treatment.
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Abstract
For over the last three decades, extensive testing of antifungal compounds in clinical trials has been essential to the development of treatment guidelines for the most common invasive fungal infections, including cryptococcosis, candidiasis, aspergillosis, and the endemic fungi. These guidelines have greatly helped guide clinicians in the management of these complicated diseases. The data on which most of these guidelines are based are among the most widely recognized and cited clinical trials comparing antimicrobial agents. Unfortunately, there are many unanswered questions with respect to the diagnosis and treatment of these emerging disorders. Regarding treatment, there is a need for more clinically effective and less toxic agents. The current armamentarium of antifungal agents represents important progress over gold standard agents such as amphotericin B, but there is much progress to be made. With respect to diagnostics, mycology has generally lagged behind other disciplines in microbiology, as there are very few rapid, sensitive, specific, and point-of-care diagnostics. The ability to implement therapies for at-risk patients based on positive early diagnostic signals would greatly enhance the ability to intervene with appropriate antifungal therapy in a more targeted and specific manner. This article will review some of the major advances, as well as significant challenges that remain in the management of invasive mycoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter G Pappas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-0006
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Tang CG, Nuyen BA, Puligandla B, Rasgon B. The coccidioidomycosis conundrum: a rare parotid mass. Perm J 2014; 18:86-8. [PMID: 24867553 DOI: 10.7812/tpp/13-158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A man, age 62 years, presented to the clinic with a 2-week history of increased nontender, nonerythematous, indurated right-sided parotid swelling. A 4 × 6-cm firm, well-circumscribed mass was palpated in the right parotid gland. A fine-needle aspiration biopsy was performed on the parotid mass with aspiration of 0.5 cc of purulent fluid with some blood. Cultures from the aspirate revealed Coccidioides immitis confirmed by DNA probe. Pathology slides revealed fungal spores. The patient was treated with 800 mg of fluconazole every day for 3 months with resolution of the parotid swelling. However, persistent cervical adenopathy remains.Although this is a rare case of acute parotid swelling, Coccidioides immitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of parotid masses in a patient with previous coccidioidomycosis. There may be a potential for an increase in frequency and variety of atypical extrapulmonary manifestations of coccidioidomycosis that parallels the increase in coccidioidomycotic pulmonary infections. Long-term antifungal therapy appears essential for control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian A Nuyen
- Third-year Medical Student at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine in La Jolla.
| | | | - Barry Rasgon
- Head and Neck Surgeon at the Oakland Medical Center in CA.
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Levy ER, McCarty JM, Shane AL, Weintrub PS. Treatment of Pediatric Refractory Coccidioidomycosis With Combination Voriconazole and Caspofungin: A Retrospective Case Series. Clin Infect Dis 2013; 56:1573-8. [DOI: 10.1093/cid/cit113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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McCarty JM, Demetral LC, Dabrowski L, Kahal AK, Bowser AM, Hahn JE. Pediatric Coccidioidomycosis in Central California: A Retrospective Case Series. Clin Infect Dis 2013; 56:1579-85. [DOI: 10.1093/cid/cit114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Vertebral coccidioidomycosis: presentation and multidisciplinary management. Am J Med 2012; 125:304-14. [PMID: 22340929 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2011.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2011] [Revised: 09/05/2011] [Accepted: 10/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vertebral involvement is a severe complication of infection caused by Coccidioides species. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of patients diagnosed with vertebral coccidioidomycosis at an academic medical center between 1996 and 2009. RESULTS We identified 39 cases of vertebral coccidioidomycosis. Thirty-four patients (79%) were male, and 23 patients (61%) were black. Black patients were overrepresented in comparison with all other patients by a 50-fold odds ratio (95% confidence interval, 26-95). Only 8 patients (20%) were immunocompromised, including 7 who had received systemic steroids. The number of infected vertebrae ranged from 1 to 24; 8 patients (21%) had epidural involvement. All patients received a triazole as part of medical therapy, and 20 patients also received amphotericin B, typically early in the course. Twenty-six patients (67%) required surgery, 18 of whom also required hardware placement. The most common indication for surgery was pain, but 7 patients had neurologic compromise. No patients developed recurrent or refractory infection at the site of surgical debridement, but 6 patients experienced disease relapse after stopping antifungal therapy. CONCLUSION Vertebral infection caused by Coccidioides species requires a multispecialty approach that always includes medical therapy and frequently requires surgical intervention for debridement or stabilization. A favorable outcome can usually be achieved, but discontinuation of medical therapy is associated with a high risk of relapse, which can occur years later.
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Kakarla UK, Kalani MYS, Sharma GK, Sonntag VKH, Theodore N. Surgical management of coccidioidomycosis of the spine. J Neurosurg Spine 2011; 15:441-6. [DOI: 10.3171/2011.5.spine10596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Object
Coccidioides immitis is a dimorphous fungus endemic in the southwestern US and northern Mexico. While its primary presentation is pulmonary, it can have devastating neurological sequelae.
Methods
The authors provide a retrospective review with long-term follow-up between 1986 and 2008 at a single institution.
Results
The authors identified 27 patients between 13 and 81 years old (mean 41.4 years) with spinal coccidioides who were treated surgically at the Barrow Neurological Institute between 1986 and 2008. There were 24 males (89%) and 3 females (11%). Eleven patients (41%) had cervical spine involvement, 15 (56%) had thoracic involvement, 7 (26%) had lumbar involvement, and 2 (7%) had sacral involvement. All 27 patients presented with localized or radiating pain. Nine patients (33%) had myelopathic symptoms at presentation, 5 (19%) had radiculopathy, 4 (15%) had fever, and 12 (44%) had progressive kyphosis. The disease was most frequently seen among African American patients (14 patients [52%]), followed by Caucasians (5 patients [19%]), Asians (3 patients [11%]), and Hispanics (3 patients [11%]). Ten patients (37%) required multiple operations at the same level. Follow-up was available in 19 patients (70%) (mean 9.8 months, range 1–39 months). Sixteen (84%) of these 19 patients improved from their preoperative baseline states, 1 (5%) was stable on examination, 1 patient's condition (5%) deteriorated compared with the preoperative examination, and 1 patient (5%) died in the postoperative period.
Conclusions
Although spinal involvement of coccidioidomycosis is relatively uncommon, a high index of suspicion and aggressive therapy are warranted to prevent devastating neurological injury, and lifelong antifungal therapy is often warranted.
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Segal BH, Herbrecht R, Stevens DA, Ostrosky-Zeichner L, Sobel J, Viscoli C, Walsh TJ, Maertens J, Patterson TF, Perfect JR, Dupont B, Wingard JR, Calandra T, Kauffman CA, Graybill JR, Baden LR, Pappas PG, Bennett JE, Kontoyiannis DP, Cordonnier C, Viviani MA, Bille J, Almyroudis NG, Wheat LJ, Graninger W, Bow EJ, Holland SM, Kullberg BJ, Dismukes WE, De Pauw BE. Defining responses to therapy and study outcomes in clinical trials of invasive fungal diseases: Mycoses Study Group and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer consensus criteria. Clin Infect Dis 2009; 47:674-83. [PMID: 18637757 DOI: 10.1086/590566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 333] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) have become major causes of morbidity and mortality among highly immunocompromised patients. Authoritative consensus criteria to diagnose IFD have been useful in establishing eligibility criteria for antifungal trials. There is an important need for generation of consensus definitions of outcomes of IFD that will form a standard for evaluating treatment success and failure in clinical trials. Therefore, an expert international panel consisting of the Mycoses Study Group and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer was convened to propose guidelines for assessing treatment responses in clinical trials of IFDs and for defining study outcomes. Major fungal diseases that are discussed include invasive disease due to Candida species, Aspergillus species and other molds, Cryptococcus neoformans, Histoplasma capsulatum, and Coccidioides immitis. We also discuss potential pitfalls in assessing outcome, such as conflicting clinical, radiological, and/or mycological data and gaps in knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brahm H Segal
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York 14263, USA.
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Ampel NM, Giblin A, Mourani JP, Galgiani JN. Factors and outcomes associated with the decision to treat primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis. Clin Infect Dis 2009; 48:172-8. [PMID: 19072555 DOI: 10.1086/595687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies that assess the value of initiating oral antifungal therapy to treat primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis have not been published previously. METHODS Prospectively collected observational data were analyzed from patients with primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis who attended a single clinic devoted to the management of coccidioidomycosis that is located in a region of coccidioidal endemicity. RESULTS Fifty-four of 105 patients with primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis were prescribed antifungal therapy, whereas 51 were not. No statistically significant differences were found between the 2 groups with regard to age, ethnicity, sex, or the presence or type of underlying diseases (for all, P > .100). Treated patients had a higher total clinical score (P = .001), had a higher symptom score (P = .049), and were more likely to have a culture of sputum that was positive for Coccidioides species (P = .048), compared with patients who were not prescribed therapy. There was prospective in-clinic follow-up for 43 patients, for a median duration of 286 days (range, 35-1124 days). The health of all 16 patients who were not treated improved after a median of 217 days, and no patients developed complications during follow-up. However, 2 of 20 patients who were treated but whose therapy was subsequently stopped developed disseminated disease. The rate of clinical improvement was similar in treated and untreated patients (P = .899). A retrospective follow-up of 58 of the remaining 62 patients identified 6 additional patients with complications, all from the group that was initially treated but whose therapy was subsequently discontinued. CONCLUSIONS Approximately one-half of patients with primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis were prescribed antifungal therapy on the basis of clinical severity. Complications were seen only among patients in the group that was prescribed therapy but whose treatment was discontinued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil M Ampel
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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Baek JH, Park EY, Jung YS, Hong JW, Chae Y, Jin SJ, Choi HK, Shin SY, Han SH, Chin BS, Kim CO, Choi JY, Song YG, Cho NH, Kim JM. Recurrent Coccidioidomycosis Manifesting as Osteomyelitis in Korea. Infect Chemother 2009. [DOI: 10.3947/ic.2009.41.4.253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ji-hyeon Baek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun Young Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoon Suk Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Won Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yuntae Chae
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Joon Jin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee Kyoung Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - So Youn Shin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bum Sik Chin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chang Oh Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jun Young Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Goo Song
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Nam-Hoon Cho
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - June Myung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Abstract
A 42-year-old white male without prior skin disease presented 8 months ago with chest pain, fever, and coughing to his primary physician. At that point, he had no skin lesions. The diagnosis was made by standard blood tests. The patient completed treatment and was symptom free for 8 months until he presented to his physician again with skin lesions on his right cheek and extremities. The patient was referred to our dermatology clinic for further evaluation. A complete skin examination revealed lesions on his face, extremities, and back. The lesions on his right face were 8 x 10-mm erythematous papules and nodules coalescing into a plaque. A biopsy was taken from his right cheek lesions.
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Aspergillus to Zygomycetes: Causes, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment of Invasive Fungal Infections. Infection 2008; 36:296-313. [DOI: 10.1007/s15010-008-7357-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2007] [Accepted: 01/29/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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38
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Chiou CC, Walsh TJ, Groll AH. Clinical pharmacology of antifungal agents in pediatric patients. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2007; 8:2465-89. [DOI: 10.1517/14656566.8.15.2465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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39
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Stevens DA, Rendon A, Gaona-Flores V, Catanzaro A, Anstead GM, Pedicone L, Graybill JR. Posaconazole Therapy for Chronic Refractory Coccidioidomycosis. Chest 2007; 132:952-8. [PMID: 17573510 DOI: 10.1378/chest.07-0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coccidioides infections often result in chronic relapsing disease that presents a challenge to the currently available therapy. Posaconazole, an oral extended-spectrum triazole agent, has been shown in vitro and in vivo to have potent activity against this fungus. METHODS An open-label multinational study of posaconazole, 800 mg/d, administered in divided doses for the treatment of invasive fungal infection that has been refractory to previous therapy was conducted. The data were reviewed by an independent data review committee (DRC). Fifteen patients met the criteria for proven coccidioidal infection and disease refractory to previous therapy. Success was a complete or partial response; nonsuccess was stable disease, lack of response to therapy, or undetermined response. RESULTS The sites of coccidioidal infection were pulmonary (seven patients) and disseminated (eight patients). Patients were refractory to previous therapy (including amphotericin B with or without an azole) for a median duration of 306 days. At the end of treatment (posaconazole treatment duration, 34 to 365 days), therapy for 11 of 15 patients (73%) was considered to be successful by the DRC. Four responses were complete and seven were partial; these included five patients with pulmonary sites and six patients with disseminated sites. In responders, improvement was seen within months of the initiation of therapy. Five patients received therapy for >or= 12 months. The side effects were minimal. CONCLUSIONS Therapy for coccidioidomycosis remains a clinical challenge, especially when patients have not responded to therapy with drugs that were recommended in treatment guidelines. The success rate (73%) achieved in this case series suggests that oral posaconazole should be considered as an important agent for the treatment of refractory coccidioidomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Stevens
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, 751 South Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128-2699, USA.
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40
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Catanzaro A, Cloud GA, Stevens DA, Levine BE, Williams PL, Johnson RH, Rendon A, Mirels LF, Lutz JE, Holloway M, Galgiani JN. Safety, Tolerance, and Efficacy of Posaconazole Therapy in Patients with Nonmeningeal Disseminated or Chronic Pulmonary Coccidioidomycosis. Clin Infect Dis 2007; 45:562-8. [PMID: 17682989 DOI: 10.1086/519937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2007] [Accepted: 04/27/2007] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coccidioidomycosis can be difficult to treat with available therapies, particularly in patients with progressive or disseminated disease. Posaconazole is a new azole antifungal with potent activity against Coccidioides species, the causative agent of coccidioidomycosis. METHODS Twenty patients with chronic pulmonary or nonmeningeal disseminated coccidioidomycosis were enrolled in a multicenter trial to study the safety and tolerability of posaconazole therapy, with efficacy as a secondary end point. Patients received posaconazole (400 mg/day) in capsule formulation for up to 6 months. Safety was evaluated on the basis of the occurrence of adverse events. A satisfactory efficacy response was defined as a >or=50% reduction in the Mycoses Study Group score from baseline. RESULTS Seventeen (85%) of 20 patients had a satisfactory response to treatment. The median duration of treatment was 173 days. Paired baseline and end-of-treatment culture results for Coccidioides species were available for 4 patients, all of whom converted from being positive to being negative for Coccidioides species. Relapse was experienced by 3 of 9 patients who did not receive antifungal therapy during the follow-up period. In general, posaconazole therapy was well tolerated, with 12 of 20 patients reporting adverse events that were possibly or probably related to treatment. The most common adverse events were dry mouth (in 5 patients [25%]) and headache (in 3 patients [15%]). CONCLUSIONS Courses of posaconazole therapy that were up to 6 months in duration were well tolerated in patients with coccidioidomycosis. Although this study was limited by the number of patients enrolled, it clearly demonstrates that posaconazole shows promise in the treatment of patients with coccidioidomycosis and warrants additional investigation in a full-scale clinical trial.
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41
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Galgiani JN. Coccidioidomycosis: changing perceptions and creating opportunities for its control. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2007; 1111:1-18. [PMID: 17344530 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1406.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The perceptions of coccidioidomycosis as a medical problem has undergone sequential and dramatic metamorphoses since its first description more than a century ago. First thought to be rare and lethal, coccidioidomycosis was subsequently found to be common and often mild. During World War II, its overall impact upon large populations came sharply into focus and the consequences for public health became clearer. Early treatments had significant limitations and toxicities, and therefore treatment of coccidioidomycosis was reserved for only the sickest patients. Since then, safer oral therapies have become commonplace. Despite their availability, there has been no investigation of their use in the less severe and much more common early infections. Even newer drugs such as nikkomycin Z, which might actually cure infections, until very recently have had trouble finding a sponsor to move it through clinical trials. Perceptions once formed by the understanding of coccidioidomycosis as a medical problem now appear to hinder the future study of newer therapeutic opportunities. It is suggested in this review that it is time to revisit and possibly change these perceptions if we are to improve our care of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- John N Galgiani
- Medical Service (1-111INF), Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, 3601 South Sixth Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85723, USA.
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42
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Abstract
The therapy of coccidioidomycosis has been an early target, both experimentally and clinically, for study of new members of the azole class of drugs, because of the recognition that coccidioidomycosis is one of the most difficult mycoses to treat, and because our research group and our collaborators have been eager to pioneer new therapies for this problem pathogen. There have been steady advances in the pharmacologic and antimicrobial properties of this class since the initial introduction of miconazole, and many patients with coccidioidomycosis have benefited. Perhaps the greatest contribution has been the development of well-tolerated oral drugs that make possible prolonged courses of a conveniently administered agent, and perhaps the most impressive advance has been the utility of the agents in coccidioidal meningitis, at least as an adjunct to the polyenes. More potent agents are still required, so that complete biological cure can be attained in meningeal and nonmeningeal coccidioidomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Stevens
- Department of Medicine, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, 751 So. Bascom Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128-2699, USA.
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43
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Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection endemic to the southwestern United States. Typically a respiratory illness, coccidioidomycosis can rarely present as extrapulmonary infection. Skeletal coccidioidomycosis occurs in 20% to 50% of disseminated infections. Skeletal coccidioidomycosis is a chronic and progressive infection that eventually results in bone destruction and loss of function and often involves adjacent structures, such as joints, muscles, and tendons and other soft tissues. Sinus tract formation may occur. This infection may be multifocal. Although radiographs, white blood cell count scans, and other imaging methods identify and define relevant abnormalities, histopathologic examination with culture of the involved bone is the only means to confirm the diagnosis. Serologic testing is adjunctive, and complement fixation titers can be evaluated serially to assess response to treatment. A number of studies addressing the efficacy of various antifungal agents have been performed, and the results of these studies as they pertain to skeletal coccidioidomycosis are summarized herein. Among the various studies, response rates ranged from 23% to 100%, but relapse was common. A combination of medical therapy-often, itraconazole or fluconazole-and surgical débridement is often needed to control skeletal coccidioidomycosis. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to avoid long-term problems with chronically infected bones and joints. Anatomical issues, diagnostic studies, and data related to treatment of this form of extrapulmonary coccidioidomycosis are reviewed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janis E Blair
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, 13400 East Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA
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44
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Blair JE. State-of-the-art treatment of coccidioidomycosis: skin and soft-tissue infections. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2007; 1111:411-21. [PMID: 17332079 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1406.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection common in the southwestern United States that is caused by the endemic Coccidioides species of fungus. Coccidioidal infections are generally manifested as self-limited respiratory illnesses, but affected patients rarely present with coccidioidomycosis in extrapulmonary locations. Skin and soft-tissue coccidioidomycosis may occur in 15% to 67% of patients with disseminated infection. Skin manifestations of coccidioidomycosis can either be reactive rashes, such as erythema multiforme or erythema nodosum associated with primary pulmonary infection, or they can be the result of extrapulmonary dissemination of the infection to the skin. As many as 90% of persons with disseminated infection to the skin have other extrapulmonary sites of infection, and the presence of coccidioidal skin lesions should prompt an investigation for other extrapulmonary foci of infection. Lymph nodes are a common site of extrapulmonary infection. Nearly every organ system and soft-tissue have been described as infected with Coccididioides species, but subcutaneous abscesses, phlegmon, and sinus tracts are not uncommon and often are themselves the result of coccidioidal infection in neighboring lymph nodes, bones, or joints. A biopsy of the abnormal area is the most direct way to diagnose skin and soft-tissue lesions. Fluconazole and itraconazole are preferred therapeutic agents, and surgical intervention may be required as an adjunctive measure. This article reviews the types and locations of disseminated infections, as well as diagnostic studies and treatment of this difficult-to-treat manifestation of coccidioidomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janis E Blair
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, 13400 East Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA
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45
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Abstract
The difficulties in managing this potentially horrific disease, with its myriad manifestations, are immense, because host factors dramatically impact outcome. Coccidioidomycosis should warrant great respect among clinicians, because, even with dramatic improvements in therapies, outcomes remain poor. Although there have been outstanding successes with these new therapies, tragic losses after years of immense patient suffering still occur. Coccidioidomycosis is a geographically restricted fungus but is one that inflicts tremendous suffering on affected patients. In addition, because of travel and the influx of susceptible hosts, dramatic increases in patients at risk for infection are seen throughout the southwest United States. The extended-spectrum azoles, such as posaconazole and voriconazole, may prove to be more efficacious in the treatment of coccidioidomycosis than prior agents, including amphotericin B, fluconazole, and itraconazole. Additional resources are needed to conduct randomised, controlled clinical trials for the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory M Anstead
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
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46
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Ampel NM, Nelson DK, Chavez S, Naus KA, Herman AB, Li L, Simmons KA, Pappagianis D. Preliminary evaluation of whole-blood gamma interferon release for clinical assessment of cellular immunity in patients with active coccidioidomycosis. CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY IMMUNOLOGY 2006; 12:700-4. [PMID: 15939743 PMCID: PMC1151974 DOI: 10.1128/cdli.12.6.700-704.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Assessment of the cellular immune response in coccidioidomycosis has epidemiologic and prognostic importance. Measurement of delayed-type hypersensitivity to skin testing has been used in the past to determine cellular immunity in coccidioidomycosis. However, no skin tests are currently available in the United States. Assay of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) release in whole blood in response to incubation with antigen has been used to assess cellular immunity in tuberculosis. We used a similar assay using the coccidioidal antigen preparation T27K to measure the in vitro cellular immune responses among a cohort of 69 subjects with active coccidioidomycosis. IFN-gamma release was bimodal, with concentrations above and below 5 IU/ml. Using multivariate logistic regression, underlying disease and disseminated or chronic pulmonary coccidioidomycosis was significantly associated with the release of IFN-gamma at a concentration of <5 IU/ml (P = 0.02 or 0.05, respectively). In addition, the release IFN-gamma concentration was <5 IU/ml in all subjects with a clinical severity score of > or =6 (P = 0.02). The release IFN-gamma concentration correlated with expression of CD69 on T lymphocytes in an in vitro assay using T27K as the antigen (Spearman's rho = 0.59; P < 0.01). These results suggest that the IFN-gamma release assay with T27K as the antigen may be a useful clinical test for assessing cellular immunity in patients with active coccidioidomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil M Ampel
- Medicine and Primary Care (1-111), Southern Arizona Veterans Affairs Health Care System, 3601 S. Sixth Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85723, USA.
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47
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Ampel NM. Reply to Carmichael. Clin Infect Dis 2006. [DOI: 10.1086/501128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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48
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Dismukes WE. Antifungal therapy: lessons learned over the past 27 years. Clin Infect Dis 2006; 42:1289-96. [PMID: 16586389 DOI: 10.1086/503043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2006] [Accepted: 01/30/2006] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
As principal investigator of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases-sponsored Mycoses Study Group for the past 27 years, I have been fortunate to play a role in the many advances in the field of clinical mycology and antifungal therapy. For the Finland lecture, I will briefly discuss the development of the Mycoses Study Group, provide an overview of the currently available antifungal agents, and describe advances and lessons related to the treatment and management of cryptococcal meningitis (the most common form of fungal meningitis), 3 important endemic mycoses (namely, blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and coccidioidomycosis), candidemia and invasive candidiasis (the most common forms of nosocomial fungal disease), and invasive aspergillosis (the most common form of invasive mould disease). My concluding remarks will address the increasing hurdles and challenges, as well as the rewards, facing investigators who focus on clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- William E Dismukes
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294-0006, USA.
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49
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Galgiani JN, Ampel NM, Blair JE, Catanzaro A, Johnson RH, Stevens DA, Williams PL. Coccidioidomycosis. Clin Infect Dis 2005; 41:1217-23. [PMID: 16206093 DOI: 10.1086/496991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 419] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2005] [Accepted: 07/13/2005] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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50
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Pistone T, Lacombe K, Poirot JL, Girard PM, Meynard JL. Imported concomitant coccidioidomycosis and histoplasmosis in an HIV-infected Colombian migrant in France. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2005; 99:712-5. [PMID: 15993450 DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2005.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2004] [Accepted: 03/04/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the case of a Colombian immunosuppressed migrant hospitalized in France with fever, dry cough and altered general health. Results of blood culture and bronchoalveolar lavage led to the diagnosis of the first reported case of concomitant disseminated histoplasmosis and pulmonary coccidioidomycosis in an HIV-infected patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Pistone
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, 184 rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, 75012, Paris, France.
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