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Porter WT, Gade L, Montfort P, Mihaljevic JR, Bowers JR, Willman A, Klimowski BA, LaFleur BJ, Sunenshine RH, Collins J, Adame G, Brady S, Komatsu KK, Williams S, Toda M, Chiller T, Litvintseva AP, Engelthaler DM. Understanding the exposure risk of aerosolized Coccidioides in a Valley fever endemic metropolis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1311. [PMID: 38225347 PMCID: PMC10789871 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51407-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Coccidioides is the fungal causative agent of Valley fever, a primarily pulmonary disease caused by inhalation of fungal arthroconidia, or spores. Although Coccidioides has been an established pathogen for 120 years and is responsible for hundreds of thousands of infections per year, little is known about when and where infectious Coccidioides arthroconidia are present within the ambient air in endemic regions. Long-term air sampling programs provide a means to investigate these characteristics across space and time. Here we present data from > 18 months of collections from 11 air sampling sites across the Phoenix, Arizona, metropolitan area. Overall, prevalence was highly variable across space and time with no obvious spatial or temporal correlations. Several high prevalence periods were identified at select sites, with no obvious spatial or temporal associations. Comparing these data with weather and environmental factor data, wind gusts and temperature were positively associated with Coccidioides detection, while soil moisture was negatively associated with Coccidioides detection. These results provide critical insights into the frequency and distribution of airborne arthroconidia and the associated risk of inhalation and potential disease that is present across space and time in a highly endemic locale.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Tanner Porter
- Pathogen & Microbiome Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Flagstaff, AZ, USA.
| | - Lalitha Gade
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Parker Montfort
- Pathogen & Microbiome Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Joseph R Mihaljevic
- School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Jolene R Bowers
- Pathogen & Microbiome Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | | | | | - Bonnie J LaFleur
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | | | | | - Shane Brady
- Arizona Department of Health Services, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | - Samantha Williams
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mitsuru Toda
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tom Chiller
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - David M Engelthaler
- Pathogen & Microbiome Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
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2
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Campuzano A, Pentakota KD, Liao YR, Zhang H, Wiederhold NP, Ostroff GR, Hung CY. A Recombinant Multivalent Vaccine (rCpa1) Induces Protection for C57BL/6 and HLA Transgenic Mice against Pulmonary Infection with Both Species of Coccidioides. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:67. [PMID: 38250880 PMCID: PMC10819930 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12010067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis is caused by Coccidioides posadasii (Cp) and Coccidioides immitis (Ci), which have a 4-5% difference in their genomic sequences. There is an urgent need to develop a human vaccine against both species. A previously created recombinant antigen (rCpa1) that contains multiple peptides derived from Cp isolate C735 is protective against the autologous isolate. The focus of this study is to evaluate cross-protective efficacy and immune correlates by the rCpa1-based vaccine against both species of Coccidioides. DNA sequence analyses of the homologous genes for the rCpa1 antigen were conducted for 39 and 17 clinical isolates of Cp and Ci, respectively. Protective efficacy and vaccine-induced immunity were evaluated for both C57BL/6 and human HLA-DR4 transgenic mice against five highly virulent isolates of Cp and Ci. There are total of seven amino acid substitutions in the rCpa1 antigen between Cp and Ci. Both C57BL/6 and HLA-DR4 mice that were vaccinated with an rCpa1 vaccine had a significant reduction of fungal burden and increased numbers of IFN-γ- and IL-17-producing CD4+ T cells in the first 2 weeks post challenge. These data suggest that rCpa1 has cross-protection activity against Cp and Ci pulmonary infection through activation of early Th1 and Th17 responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Althea Campuzano
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; (A.C.); (H.Z.)
| | - Komali Devi Pentakota
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; (A.C.); (H.Z.)
| | - Yu-Rou Liao
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; (A.C.); (H.Z.)
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; (A.C.); (H.Z.)
| | - Nathan P. Wiederhold
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UT Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA;
| | - Gary R. Ostroff
- Program in Molecular Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA;
| | - Chiung-Yu Hung
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; (A.C.); (H.Z.)
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3
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Koutserimpas C, Naoum S, Melissinos EP, Raptis K, Alpantaki K, Dretakis K, Piagkou M, Samonis G. Spinal Infections Caused by Coccidioides Species. MAEDICA 2023; 18:209-215. [PMID: 37588822 PMCID: PMC10427092 DOI: 10.26574/maedica.2023.18.2.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Spinal Coccidioidomycosis, although rare, represents the most frequent osseous presentation of Coccidioides spp infection. The present review aims to describe the anatomical distribution, the epidemiological characteristics, and the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of this severe infection. Methods:A meticulous review of all published spinal Coccidioidomycosis cases was carried out. The studied population's demographics and the anatomical distribution of the infection were recorded. Furthermore, the medical and operative management as well as the disease outcome were studied. Results:Seventy-six cases (of which 78.9% males) with a mean age of 35.5 years were located. Regarding the anatomical distribution of the infection, the thoracic area was the most commonly affected spine region (26.3%). Among the studied patients, 14 (18.4%) were immunocompromised. Pain was the most commonly reported symptom (21.1%). Regarding the diagnostic approach of this infection, plain x-ray or CT scan indicated the disease in the majority of cases (44.7%). Pathology (48.7%), serology (42.1%) and microbiological examinations (35.5%) further established the firm diagnosis, with Coccidioides immitis being the most frequently isolated fungus. Medical management included mainly amphotericin B (in 57.9% of cases), followed by fluconazole (in 38.2% of cases). The disease required surgical intervention in the majority of cases (76.3%), while the infection had a successful outcome in 80.3% of cases. Conclusion:Spinal Coccidioidomycosis seems to require prolonged medical treatment, including proper antifungal therapy and, in most cases, operative management. Multidisciplinary approach, including infectious disease specialists, orthopaedic and/or spine surgeons, microbiologists and radiologists seems to be of utmost important for yielding favorable outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Koutserimpas
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, "251" Hellenic Air Force General Hospital of Athens, 11525 Athens, Greece
| | - Symeon Naoum
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, "251" Hellenic Air Force General Hospital of Athens, 11525 Athens, Greece
| | - Ektor P Melissinos
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Raptis
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, "251" Hellenic Air Force General Hospital of Athens, 11525 Athens, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Alpantaki
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, "Venizeleion" General Hospital of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Dretakis
- 2nd Department of Orthopaedics, "Hygeia" General Hospital of Athens, 151-23 Marousi, Greece
| | - Maria Piagkou
- Department of Anatomy, School of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece
| | - George Samonis
- Department of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
- First Department of Medical Oncology, "Metropolitan" Hospital, Neon Faliron, 185-47 Attica, Greece
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Monroy-Nieto J, Gade L, Benedict K, Etienne KA, Litvintseva AP, Bowers JR, Engelthaler DM, Chow NA. Genomic Epidemiology Linking Nonendemic Coccidioidomycosis to Travel. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:110-117. [PMID: 36573555 PMCID: PMC9796224 DOI: 10.3201/eid2901.220771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection endemic to hot, arid regions of the western United States, northern Mexico, and parts of Central and South America. Sporadic cases outside these regions are likely travel-associated; alternatively, an infection could be acquired in as-yet unidentified newly endemic locales. A previous study of cases in nonendemic regions with patient self-reported travel history suggested that infections were acquired during travel to endemic regions. We sequenced 19 Coccidioides isolates from patients with known travel histories from that earlier investigation and performed phylogenetic analysis to identify the locations of potential source populations. Our results show that those isolates were phylogenetically linked to Coccidioides subpopulations naturally occurring in 1 of the reported travel locales, confirming that these cases were likely acquired during travel to endemic regions. Our findings demonstrate that genomic analysis is a useful tool for investigating travel-related coccidioidomycosis.
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Tong DQ, Gorris ME, Gill TE, Ardon‐Dryer K, Wang J, Ren L. Dust Storms, Valley Fever, and Public Awareness. GEOHEALTH 2022; 6:e2022GH000642. [PMID: 35949254 PMCID: PMC9356325 DOI: 10.1029/2022gh000642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We discuss several issues raised by Comrie (2021, https://doi.org/10.1029/2021GH000504), which uses a crowdsourced data set to study dust storms and coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever). There is inconsistency in the term "dust storm" used by science communities. The dust data from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Events Database are from diverse sources, unsuitable for assessing dust-coccidioidomycosis relationships. Population exposure to dust or Coccidioides needs to consider the frequency, magnitude, and duration of dust events. Given abundant evidence that dust storms are a viable driver to transport pathogens, it is in best public interest to advocate dust storms may put people at risk for contracting Valley fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Q. Tong
- Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth SciencesCenter for Spatial Information Science and SystemsGeorge Mason UniversityFairfaxVAUSA
| | - Morgan E. Gorris
- Information Systems and Modeling & Center for Nonlinear StudiesLos Alamos National LaboratoryLos AlamosNMUSA
| | - Thomas E. Gill
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Resource SciencesThe University of Texas at El PasoEl PasoTXUSA
| | | | - Julian Wang
- Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth SciencesCenter for Spatial Information Science and SystemsGeorge Mason UniversityFairfaxVAUSA
| | - Ling Ren
- Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth SciencesCenter for Spatial Information Science and SystemsGeorge Mason UniversityFairfaxVAUSA
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6
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Abstract
Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii are causative agents of Valley fever, a serious fungal disease endemic to regions with hot, arid climate in the United States, Mexico, and Central and South America. The environmental niche of Coccidioides spp. is not well defined, and it remains unknown whether these fungi are primarily associated with rodents or grow as saprotrophs in soil. To better understand the environmental reservoir of these pathogens, we used a systematic soil sampling approach, quantitative PCR (qPCR), culture, whole-genome sequencing, and soil chemical analysis to identify factors associated with the presence of C. immitis at a known colonization site in Washington State linked to a human case in 2010. We found that the same strain colonized an area of over 46,000 m2 and persisted in soil for over 6 years. No association with rodent burrows was observed, as C. immitis DNA was as likely to be detected inside rodent holes as it was in the surrounding soil. In addition, the presence of C. immitis DNA in soil was correlated with elevated levels of boron, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and silicon in soil leachates. We also observed differences in the microbial communities between C. immitis-positive and -negative soils. Our artificial soil inoculation experiments demonstrated that C. immitis can use soil as a sole source of nutrients. Taken together, these results suggest that soil parameters need to be considered when modeling the distribution of this fungus in the environment. IMPORTANCE Coccidioidomycosis is considered a highly endemic disease for which geographic range is likely to expand from climate change. A better understanding of the ecological niche of Coccidioides spp. is essential for generating accurate distribution maps and predicting future changes in response to the changing environment. Our study used a systematic sampling strategy, advanced molecular detection methods, and soil chemical analysis to identify environmental factors associated with the presence of C. immitis in soil. Our results demonstrate the fungus can colonize the same areas for years and is associated with chemical and microbiological soil characteristics. Our results suggest that in addition to climate parameters, soil characteristics need to be considered when building habitat distribution models for this pathogen.
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Chaturvedi S, Victor TR, Marathe A, Sidamonidze K, Crucillo KL, Chaturvedi V. Real-time PCR assay for detection and differentiation of Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii from culture and clinical specimens. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009765. [PMID: 34529679 PMCID: PMC8486383 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever) is a pulmonary and systemic fungal disease with increasing incidence and expanding endemic areas. The differentiation of etiologic agents Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii remains problematic in the clinical laboratories as conventional PCR and satellite typing schemes are not facile. Therefore, we developed Cy5- and FAM-labeled TaqMan-probes for duplex real-time PCR assay for rapid differentiation of C. immitis and C. posadasii from culture and clinical specimens. The RRA2 gene encoding proline-rich antigen 2, specific for Coccidioides genus, was the source for the first set of primers and probe. Coccidioides immitis contig 2.2 (GenBank: AAEC02000002.1) was used to design the second set of primers and probe. The second primers/probe did not amplify the corresponding C. posadasii DNA, because of an 86-bp deletion in the contig. The assay was highly sensitive with limit of detection of 0.1 pg gDNA/PCR reaction, which was equivalent to approximately ten genome copies of C. immitis or C. posadasii. The assay was highly specific with no cross-reactivity to the wide range of fungal and bacterial pathogens. Retrospective analysis of fungal isolates and primary specimens submitted from 1995 to 2020 confirmed 168 isolates and four primary specimens as C. posadasii and 30 isolates as C. immitis from human coccidioidomycosis cases, while all eight primary samples from two animals (rhesus monkey and rhinoceros) were confirmed as C. posadasii. A preliminary analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and pleural fluid samples showed positive correlation between serology tests and real-time PCR for two of the 15 samples. The Coccidioides spp. duplex real-time PCR will allow rapid differentiation of C. immitis and C. posadasii from clinical specimens and further augment the treatment and surveillance of coccidioidomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudha Chaturvedi
- Mycology Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SC); (VC)
| | - Tanya R. Victor
- Mycology Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Anuradha Marathe
- Mycology Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Ketevan Sidamonidze
- Mycology Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Kelly L. Crucillo
- Coccidioidomycosis Serology Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California School of Medicine, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Vishnu Chaturvedi
- Mycology Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SC); (VC)
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8
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de Melo Teixeira M, Lang BF, Matute DR, Stajich JE, Barker BM. Mitochondrial genomes of the human pathogens Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2021; 11:jkab132. [PMID: 33871031 PMCID: PMC8496281 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Fungal mitochondrial genomes encode genes involved in crucial cellular processes, such as oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial translation, and the molecule has been used as a molecular marker for population genetics studies. Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii are endemic fungal pathogens that cause coccidioidomycosis in arid regions across both American continents. To date, approximately 150 Coccidioides isolates have been sequenced to infer patterns of variation in nuclear genomes. However, less attention has been given to the mitochondrial genomes of Coccidioides. In this report, we describe the assembly and annotation of mitochondrial reference genomes for two representative strains of C. posadasii and C. immitis, as well as assess population variation among 77 selected genomes. The sizes of the circular-mapping molecules are 68.2 Kb in C. immitis and 75.1 Kb in C. posadasii. We identify 14 mitochondrial protein-coding genes common to most fungal mitochondria, which are largely syntenic across different populations and species of Coccidioides. Both Coccidioides species are characterized by a large number of group I and II introns, harboring twice the number of elements as compared to closely related Onygenales. The introns contain complete or truncated ORFs with high similarity to homing endonucleases of the LAGLIDADG and GIY-YIG families. Phylogenetic comparisons of mitochondrial and nuclear genomes show extensive phylogenetic discordance suggesting that the evolution of the two types of genetic material is not identical. This work represents the first assessment of mitochondrial genomes among isolates of both species of Coccidioides, and provides a foundation for future functional work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus de Melo Teixeira
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília-DF, Brasília, Federal District 70910-3300, Brazil
| | - B Franz Lang
- Robert Cedergren Centre for Bioinformatics and Génomiques, Département de Biochimie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Daniel R Matute
- Biology Department, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jason E Stajich
- Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Bridget M Barker
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
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9
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Mead HL, Hamm PS, Shaffer IN, Teixeira MDM, Wendel CS, Wiederhold NP, Thompson GR, Muñiz-Salazar R, Castañón-Olivares LR, Keim P, Plude C, Terriquez J, Galgiani JN, Orbach MJ, Barker BM. Differential Thermotolerance Adaptation between Species of Coccidioides. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:E366. [PMID: 33327629 PMCID: PMC7765126 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis, or Valley fever, is caused by two species of dimorphic fungi. Based on molecular phylogenetic evidence, the genus Coccidioides contains two reciprocally monophyletic species: C. immitis and C. posadasii. However, phenotypic variation between species has not been deeply investigated. We therefore explored differences in growth rate under various conditions. A collection of 39 C. posadasii and 46 C. immitis isolates, representing the full geographical range of the two species, was screened for mycelial growth rate at 37 °C and 28 °C on solid media. The radial growth rate was measured for 16 days on yeast extract agar. A linear mixed effect model was used to compare the growth rate of C. posadasii and C. immitis at 37 °C and 28 °C, respectively. C. posadasii grew significantly faster at 37 °C, when compared to C. immitis; whereas both species had similar growth rates at 28 °C. These results indicate thermotolerance differs between these two species. As the ecological niche has not been well-described for Coccidioides spp., and disease variability between species has not been shown, the evolutionary pressure underlying the adaptation is unclear. However, this research reveals the first significant phenotypic difference between the two species that directly applies to ecological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather L. Mead
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA; (H.L.M.); (P.K.)
| | - Paris S. Hamm
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA;
| | - Isaac N. Shaffer
- School of Informatics, Computers, and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA;
| | | | | | - Nathan P. Wiederhold
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 77030, USA;
| | - George R. Thompson
- Departments of Internal Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases, and Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Raquel Muñiz-Salazar
- Laboratorio de Epidemiología y Ecología Molecular, Escuela Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Unidad Valle Dorado, Ensenada 22890, Mexico;
| | - Laura Rosio Castañón-Olivares
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico;
| | - Paul Keim
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA; (H.L.M.); (P.K.)
| | - Carmel Plude
- Northern Arizona Healthcare, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA; (C.P.); (J.T.)
| | - Joel Terriquez
- Northern Arizona Healthcare, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA; (C.P.); (J.T.)
| | - John N. Galgiani
- Valley Fever Center for Excellence, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; (J.N.G.); (M.J.O.)
| | - Marc J. Orbach
- Valley Fever Center for Excellence, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; (J.N.G.); (M.J.O.)
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Bridget M. Barker
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA; (H.L.M.); (P.K.)
- Valley Fever Center for Excellence, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; (J.N.G.); (M.J.O.)
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10
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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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11
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Lauer A, Etyemezian V, Nikolich G, Kloock C, Arzate AF, Sadiq Batcha F, Kaur M, Garcia E, Mander J, Kayes Passaglia A. Valley Fever: Environmental Risk Factors and Exposure Pathways Deduced from Field Measurements in California. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17155285. [PMID: 32707996 PMCID: PMC7432779 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17155285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley fever, has been reported among military personnel in Coccidioides-endemic areas of the southwestern United States since World War II. In this study, the prevalence of Coccidioides was confirmed in different soil and dust samples collected near three military bases in California using DNA extraction and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) methods. Analyses of physical and chemical parameters revealed no significant differences between Coccidioides-positive and -negative sites. Soil samples collected in the Mojave Desert (near Twentynine Palms MCAGCC) showed the highest percentage of Coccidioides-positive soil and dust samples. Samples from the San Joaquin Valley (near NAS Lemoore) showed the lowest percentage of positive samples and were restricted to remnants of semi-natural areas between agricultural fields. Our results suggest that soil disturbance around all three military bases investigated poses a potential Coccidioides exposure risk for military personnel and the public. We conclude that once lands have been severely disturbed from their original state, they become less suitable for Coccidioides growth. We propose a conceptual framework for understanding exposure where disturbance of soils that exhibit natural or remnants of native vegetation (Creosote and Salt Bush) generate a high risk of exposure to the pathogen, likely during dry periods. In contrast, Coccidioides-positive sites, when undisturbed, will not pose a high risk of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Lauer
- Department of Biology, California State University Bakersfield (CSUB), Bakersfield, CA 93311-1022, USA; (C.K.); (A.F.A.); (F.S.B.); (M.K.); (E.G.); (J.M.); (A.K.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Vicken Etyemezian
- Desert Research Institute (DRI), Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA; (V.E.); (G.N.)
| | - George Nikolich
- Desert Research Institute (DRI), Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA; (V.E.); (G.N.)
| | - Carl Kloock
- Department of Biology, California State University Bakersfield (CSUB), Bakersfield, CA 93311-1022, USA; (C.K.); (A.F.A.); (F.S.B.); (M.K.); (E.G.); (J.M.); (A.K.P.)
| | - Angel Franco Arzate
- Department of Biology, California State University Bakersfield (CSUB), Bakersfield, CA 93311-1022, USA; (C.K.); (A.F.A.); (F.S.B.); (M.K.); (E.G.); (J.M.); (A.K.P.)
| | - Fazalath Sadiq Batcha
- Department of Biology, California State University Bakersfield (CSUB), Bakersfield, CA 93311-1022, USA; (C.K.); (A.F.A.); (F.S.B.); (M.K.); (E.G.); (J.M.); (A.K.P.)
| | - Manpreet Kaur
- Department of Biology, California State University Bakersfield (CSUB), Bakersfield, CA 93311-1022, USA; (C.K.); (A.F.A.); (F.S.B.); (M.K.); (E.G.); (J.M.); (A.K.P.)
| | - Eduardo Garcia
- Department of Biology, California State University Bakersfield (CSUB), Bakersfield, CA 93311-1022, USA; (C.K.); (A.F.A.); (F.S.B.); (M.K.); (E.G.); (J.M.); (A.K.P.)
| | - Jasleen Mander
- Department of Biology, California State University Bakersfield (CSUB), Bakersfield, CA 93311-1022, USA; (C.K.); (A.F.A.); (F.S.B.); (M.K.); (E.G.); (J.M.); (A.K.P.)
| | - Alyce Kayes Passaglia
- Department of Biology, California State University Bakersfield (CSUB), Bakersfield, CA 93311-1022, USA; (C.K.); (A.F.A.); (F.S.B.); (M.K.); (E.G.); (J.M.); (A.K.P.)
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Gorris ME, Treseder KK, Zender CS, Randerson JT. Expansion of Coccidioidomycosis Endemic Regions in the United States in Response to Climate Change. GEOHEALTH 2019; 3:308-327. [PMID: 32159021 PMCID: PMC7007157 DOI: 10.1029/2019gh000209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever) is a fungal disease endemic to the southwestern United States. Across this region, temperature and precipitation influence the extent of the endemic region and number of Valley fever cases. Climate projections for the western United States indicate that temperatures will increase and precipitation patterns will shift, which may alter disease dynamics. We estimated the area potentially endemic to Valley fever using a climate niche model derived from contemporary climate and disease incidence data. We then used our model with projections of climate from Earth system models to assess how endemic areas will change during the 21st century. By 2100 in a high warming scenario, our model predicts that the area of climate-limited endemicity will more than double, the number of affected states will increase from 12 to 17, and the number of Valley fever cases will increase by 50%. The Valley fever endemic region will expand north into dry western states, including Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota. Precipitation will limit the disease from spreading into states farther east and along the central and northern Pacific coast. This is the first quantitative estimate of how climate change may influence Valley fever in the United States. Our predictive model of Valley fever endemicity may provide guidance to public health officials to establish disease surveillance programs and design mitigation efforts to limit the impacts of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan E. Gorris
- Department of Earth System ScienceUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCAUSA
| | - Kathleen K. Treseder
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCAUSA
| | - Charles S. Zender
- Department of Earth System ScienceUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCAUSA
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