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Saucier CJ, Ma Z, Montoya JA, Plant A, Suresh S, Robbins CL, Fraser R. Overcoming Health Information Inequities: Valley fever Information Repertoires Among Vulnerable Communities in California. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024:1-18. [PMID: 38177098 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2023.2288380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Although Valley fever represents a growing public health challenge for Central and Southern Californian residents, awareness remains severely limited. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) ran a cross-platform campaign to mitigate this awareness gap and impact prevention behavior. This study evaluates exposure to the CDPH campaign, followed by an examination of the information consumption patterns associated with key health outcomes. Results suggest that the CDPH campaign successfully improved knowledge accuracy, reduced misperceptions, and increased the likelihood of prevention behavior. Using an information repertoire lens revealed a more nuanced account. Most information repertoires positively influenced accurate knowledge retention and prevention behavior compared to those who were not exposed. The most diverse information repertoire, including interpersonal and media channels, was associated with increased knowledge accuracy, affective risk concerns, personal susceptibility, and prevention behavior. However, exposure to this repertoire was also associated with greater misperceptions. In addition, medical professional and radio-based repertoires positively influenced personal susceptibility perceptions. Overall, this research illustrates the importance of examining not only the general outcomes of health campaigns but also the patterns of information acquisition - particularly when working with underserved communities whose health information consumption preferences may not be comprehensively reflected in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zexin Ma
- Department of Communication, University of Connecticut
| | | | | | - Sapna Suresh
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University
| | - Chris L Robbins
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University
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2
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Khalafi S, Brockman MJ, Dihowm F. Coccidioides-Induced Pyopneumothorax in an Immunocompetent Patient. Cureus 2023; 15:e39782. [PMID: 37398826 PMCID: PMC10313086 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.39782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis is a rare infection caused by the dimorphic fungi Coccidiodes immitus or Coccidioides posadasii. This fungal infection is very common in the American Southwest as well as northern Mexico. Though the fungus is ubiquitous, symptomatic coccidioidomycosis usually occurs in the elderly or immunocompromised. This case report discusses a unique instance of an immunocompetent 29-year-old male without any notable past medical history who was found to have a coccidioidal cavitary lung lesion with concomitant pyopneumothorax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Khalafi
- Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, El Paso, USA
| | | | - Fatma Dihowm
- Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, USA
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3
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Wagner R, Montoya L, Head JR, Campo S, Remais J, Taylor JW. Coccidioides undetected in soils from agricultural land and uncorrelated with time or the greater soil fungal community on undeveloped land. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011391. [PMID: 37228157 PMCID: PMC10246812 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis is a typically respiratory fungal disease that, in the United States, occurs primarily in Arizona and California. In California, most coccidioidomycosis cases occur in the San Joaquin Valley, a primarily agricultural region where the disease poses a risk for outdoor workers. We collected 710 soil samples and 265 settled dust samples from nine sites in the San Joaquin Valley and examined how Coccidioides detection varied by month, site, and the presence and abundance of other fungal species. We detected Coccidioides in 89 of 238 (37.4%) rodent burrow soil samples at five undeveloped sites and were unable to detect Coccidioides in any of 472 surface and subsurface soil samples at four agricultural sites. In what is the largest sampling effort undertaken on agricultural land, our results provide no evidence that agricultural soils in the San Joaquin Valley harbor Coccidioides. We found no clear association between Coccidioides and the greater soil fungal community, but we identified 19 fungal indicator species that were significantly associated with Coccidioides detection in burrows. We also did not find a seasonal pattern in Coccidioides detection in the rodent burrow soils we sampled. These findings suggest both the presence of a spore bank and that coccidioidomycosis incidence may be more strongly associated with Coccidioides dispersal than Coccidioides growth. Finally, we were able to detect Coccidioides in only five of our 265 near-surface settled dust samples, one from agricultural land, where Coccidioides was undetected in soils, and four from undeveloped land, where Coccidioides was common in the rodent burrow soils we sampled. Our ability to detect Coccidioides in few settled dust samples indicates that improved methods are likely needed moving forward, though raises questions regarding aerial dispersal in Coccidioides, whose key transmission event likely occurs over short distances in rodent burrows from soil to naïve rodent lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Wagner
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Liliam Montoya
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Jennifer R. Head
- Division of Epidemiology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Simon Campo
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Justin Remais
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - John W. Taylor
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
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4
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Jenks JD, Aneke CI, Al-Obaidi MM, Egger M, Garcia L, Gaines T, Hoenigl M, Thompson GR. Race and ethnicity: Risk factors for fungal infections? PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011025. [PMID: 36602962 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Racial and ethnic identities, largely understood as social rather than biologic constructs, may impact risk for acquiring infectious diseases, including fungal infections. Risk factors may include genetic and immunologic differences such as aberrations in host immune response, host polymorphisms, and epigenomic factors stemming from environmental exposures and underlying social determinants of health. In addition, certain racial and ethnic groups may be predisposed to diseases that increase risk for fungal infections, as well as disparities in healthcare access and health insurance. In this review, we analyzed racial and ethnic identities as risk factors for acquiring fungal infections, as well as race and ethnicity as they relate to risk for severe disease from fungal infections. Risk factors for invasive mold infections such as aspergillosis largely appear related to environmental differences and underlying social determinants of health, although immunologic aberrations and genetic polymorphisms may contribute in some circumstances. Although black and African American individuals appear to be at high risk for superficial and invasive Candida infections and cryptococcosis, the reasons for this are unclear and may be related to underling social determinants of health, disparities in access to healthcare, and other socioeconomic disparities. Risk factors for all the endemic fungi are likely largely related to underlying social determinants of health, socioeconomic, and health disparities, although immunologic mechanisms likely play a role as well, particularly in disseminated coccidioidomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D Jenks
- Durham County Department of Public Health, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Chioma Inyang Aneke
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Mohanad M Al-Obaidi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Matthias Egger
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Lorena Garcia
- Department of Public Health Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Tommi Gaines
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - George R Thompson
- University of California Davis Center for Valley Fever, Sacramento, California, United States of America
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, United States of America
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
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5
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Sacco KA, Gazzin A, Notarangelo LD, Delmonte OM. Granulomatous inflammation in inborn errors of immunity. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1110115. [PMID: 36891233 PMCID: PMC9986611 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1110115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Granulomas have been defined as inflammatory infiltrates formed by recruitment of macrophages and T cells. The three-dimensional spherical structure typically consists of a central core of tissue resident macrophages which may merge into multinucleated giant cells surrounded by T cells at the periphery. Granulomas may be triggered by infectious and non-infectious antigens. Cutaneous and visceral granulomas are common in inborn errors of immunity (IEI), particularly among patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), combined immunodeficiency (CID), and common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). The estimated prevalence of granulomas in IEI ranges from 1%-4%. Infectious agents causing granulomas such Mycobacteria and Coccidioides presenting atypically may be 'sentinel' presentations for possible underlying immunodeficiency. Deep sequencing of granulomas in IEI has revealed non-classical antigens such as wild-type and RA27/3 vaccine-strain Rubella virus. Granulomas in IEI are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The heterogeneity of granuloma presentation in IEI presents challenges for mechanistic approaches to treatment. In this review, we discuss the main infectious triggers for granulomas in IEI and the major forms of IEI presenting with 'idiopathic' non-infectious granulomas. We also discuss models to study granulomatous inflammation and the impact of deep-sequencing technology while searching for infectious triggers of granulomatous inflammation. We summarize the overarching goals of management and highlight the therapeutic options reported for specific granuloma presentations in IEI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith A Sacco
- Department of Pulmonology, Section of Allergy-Immunology, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Andrea Gazzin
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Immune Deficiency Genetics Section, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Luigi D Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Immune Deficiency Genetics Section, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Ottavia M Delmonte
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Immune Deficiency Genetics Section, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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6
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Hsu AP, Korzeniowska A, Aguilar CC, Gu J, Karlins E, Oler AJ, Chen G, Reynoso GV, Davis J, Chaput A, Peng T, Sun L, Lack JB, Bays DJ, Stewart ER, Waldman SE, Powell DA, Donovan FM, Desai JV, Pouladi N, Long Priel DA, Yamanaka D, Rosenzweig SD, Niemela JE, Stoddard J, Freeman AF, Zerbe CS, Kuhns DB, Lussier YA, Olivier KN, Boucher RC, Hickman HD, Frelinger J, Fierer J, Shubitz LF, Leto TL, Thompson GR, Galgiani JN, Lionakis MS, Holland SM. Immunogenetics associated with severe coccidioidomycosis. JCI Insight 2022; 7:159491. [PMID: 36166305 PMCID: PMC9746810 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.159491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Disseminated coccidioidomycosis (DCM) is caused by Coccidioides, pathogenic fungi endemic to the southwestern United States and Mexico. Illness occurs in approximately 30% of those infected, less than 1% of whom develop disseminated disease. To address why some individuals allow dissemination, we enrolled patients with DCM and performed whole-exome sequencing. In an exploratory set of 67 patients with DCM, 2 had haploinsufficient STAT3 mutations, and defects in β-glucan sensing and response were seen in 34 of 67 cases. Damaging CLEC7A and PLCG2 variants were associated with impaired production of β-glucan-stimulated TNF-α from PBMCs compared with healthy controls. Using ancestry-matched controls, damaging CLEC7A and PLCG2 variants were overrepresented in DCM, including CLEC7A Y238* and PLCG2 R268W. A validation cohort of 111 patients with DCM confirmed the PLCG2 R268W, CLEC7A I223S, and CLEC7A Y238* variants. Stimulation with a DECTIN-1 agonist induced DUOX1/DUOXA1-derived hydrogen peroxide [H2O2] in transfected cells. Heterozygous DUOX1 or DUOXA1 variants that impaired H2O2 production were overrepresented in discovery and validation cohorts. Patients with DCM have impaired β-glucan sensing or response affecting TNF-α and H2O2 production. Impaired Coccidioides recognition and decreased cellular response are associated with disseminated coccidioidomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy P Hsu
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Agnieszka Korzeniowska
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Cynthia C Aguilar
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jingwen Gu
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biosciences Branch, Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Eric Karlins
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biosciences Branch, Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew J Oler
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biosciences Branch, Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Gang Chen
- Marsico Lung Institute and Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Glennys V Reynoso
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Joie Davis
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Alexandria Chaput
- Valley Fever Center for Excellence, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Tao Peng
- Valley Fever Center for Excellence, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Ling Sun
- Marsico Lung Institute and Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunology and Inflammation, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Justin B Lack
- NIAID Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Derek J Bays
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Ethan R Stewart
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Sarah E Waldman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Daniel A Powell
- Valley Fever Center for Excellence, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, Arizona, USA.,Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Fariba M Donovan
- Valley Fever Center for Excellence, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, Arizona, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Jigar V Desai
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nima Pouladi
- Center for Biomedical Informatics and Biostatistics and.,The Center for Applied Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Debra A Long Priel
- Neutrophil Monitoring Laboratory, Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Daisuke Yamanaka
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Laboratory for Immunopharmacology of Microbial Products, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Julie E Niemela
- Immunology Service, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Center and
| | - Jennifer Stoddard
- Immunology Service, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Center and
| | - Alexandra F Freeman
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Christa S Zerbe
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Douglas B Kuhns
- Neutrophil Monitoring Laboratory, Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Yves A Lussier
- Center for Biomedical Informatics and Biostatistics and.,The Center for Applied Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Kenneth N Olivier
- Laboratory of Chronic Airway Infection, Pulmonary Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Richard C Boucher
- Marsico Lung Institute and Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Heather D Hickman
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeffrey Frelinger
- Valley Fever Center for Excellence, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, Arizona, USA.,Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Joshua Fierer
- VA HealthCare San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Departments of Pathology and Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Lisa F Shubitz
- Valley Fever Center for Excellence, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Thomas L Leto
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - George R Thompson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, California, USA.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - John N Galgiani
- Valley Fever Center for Excellence, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, Arizona, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Michail S Lionakis
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Steven M Holland
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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7
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Wagner R, Montoya L, Gao C, Head JR, Remais J, Taylor JW. The air mycobiome is decoupled from the soil mycobiome in the California San Joaquin Valley. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:4962-4978. [PMID: 35933707 PMCID: PMC9624177 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Dispersal is a key force in the assembly of fungal communities and the air is the dominant route of dispersal for most fungi. Understanding the dynamics of airborne fungi is important for determining their source and for helping to prevent fungal disease. This understanding is important in the San Joaquin Valley of California, which is home to 4.2 million people and where the airborne fungus Coccidioides is responsible for the most important fungal disease of otherwise healthy humans, coccidioidomycosis. The San Joaquin Valley is the most productive agricultural region in the United States, with the principal crops grown therein susceptible to fungal pathogens. Here, we characterize the fungal community in soil and air on undeveloped and agricultural land in the San Joaquin Valley using metabarcoding of the internal transcribed spacer 2 variable region of fungal rDNA. Using 1,002 individual samples, we report one of the most extensive studies of fungi sampled simultaneously from air and soil using modern sequencing techniques. We find that the air mycobiome in the San Joaquin Valley is distinct from the soil mycobiome, and that the assemblages of airborne fungi from sites as far apart as 160 km are far more similar to one another than to the fungal communities in nearby soils. Additionally, we present evidence that airborne fungi in the San Joaquin Valley are subject to dispersal limitation and cyclical intra-annual patterns of community composition. Our findings are broadly applicable to understanding the dispersal of airborne fungi and the taxonomic structure of airborne fungal assemblages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Wagner
- Department of Plant & Microbial BiologyUniversity of California BerkeleyBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Liliam Montoya
- Department of Plant & Microbial BiologyUniversity of California BerkeleyBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Cheng Gao
- Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Jennifer R. Head
- Division of EpidemiologyUniversity of California BerkeleyBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Justin Remais
- Division of Environmental Health SciencesUniversity of California BerkeleyBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | - John W. Taylor
- Department of Plant & Microbial BiologyUniversity of California BerkeleyBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
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8
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Hotchkiss CE, Jeffery DA, Vogel KW. Use of Fluconazole-impregnated Beads to Treat Osteomyelitis Caused by Coccidioides in a Pigtailed Macaque ( Macaca nemestrina). Comp Med 2022; 72:273-279. [PMID: 35835541 PMCID: PMC9413521 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-21-000107] [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: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
A 3-y-old male pigtailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina) presented for swelling of the left distal forearm and decreased use of the arm. The monkey had been raised at an indoor-outdoor facility in Arizona and transferred to an indoor facility in Washington 2 mo prior to presentation. A preliminary diagnosis of fungal osteomyelitis of the radius was made based on radiographs and Coccidioides titers. In addition to systemic antifungal treatment, surgery was performed to debride the bony lesion and implant polymethylmethacrylate beads impregnanted with the anti-fungal fluconazole. Histologic examination of the debrided material confirmed the diagnosis of fungal osteomyelitis. The surgical procedure resulted in clinical improvement, as evidenced by weight gain and decreased Coccidioides titers. The beads were removed in a second surgery, and the bony lesion completely resolved. With continued systemic fluconazole treatment, the monkey remained healthy with no further evidence of osteomyelitis. Coccidioides is an emerging pathogen that causes significant morbidity and mortality in both humans and animals. Bone infections can be resistant to systemic treatment, and the implantation of fluconazoleimpregnated beads may offer a successful treatment strategy for fungal osteomyelitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte E Hotchkiss
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington;,
| | - Dean A Jeffery
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Keith W Vogel
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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9
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Pillai SP, Fruetel JA, Anderson K, Levinson R, Hernandez P, Heimer B, Morse SA. Application of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Techniques for Informing Select Agent Designation and Decision Making. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:756586. [PMID: 35721853 PMCID: PMC9204104 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.756586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Select Agent Program establishes a list of biological agents and toxins that potentially threaten public health and safety, the procedures governing the possession, utilization, and transfer of those agents, and training requirements for entities working with them. Every 2 years the Program reviews the select agent list, utilizing subject matter expert (SME) assessments to rank the agents. In this study, we explore the applicability of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) techniques and logic tree analysis to support the CDC Select Agent Program biennial review process, applying the approach broadly to include non-select agents to evaluate its generality. We conducted a literature search for over 70 pathogens against 15 criteria for assessing public health and bioterrorism risk and documented the findings for archiving. The most prominent data gaps were found for aerosol stability and human infectious dose by inhalation and ingestion routes. Technical review of published data and associated scoring recommendations by pathogen-specific SMEs was found to be critical for accuracy, particularly for pathogens with very few known cases, or where proxy data (e.g., from animal models or similar organisms) were used to address data gaps. Analysis of results obtained from a two-dimensional plot of weighted scores for difficulty of attack (i.e., exposure and production criteria) vs. consequences of an attack (i.e., consequence and mitigation criteria) provided greater fidelity for understanding agent placement compared to a 1-to-n ranking and was used to define a region in the upper right-hand quadrant for identifying pathogens for consideration as select agents. A sensitivity analysis varied the numerical weights attributed to various properties of the pathogens to identify potential quantitative (x and y) thresholds for classifying select agents. The results indicate while there is some clustering of agent scores to suggest thresholds, there are still pathogens that score close to any threshold, suggesting that thresholding “by eye” may not be sufficient. The sensitivity analysis indicates quantitative thresholds are plausible, and there is good agreement of the analytical results with select agent designations. A second analytical approach that applied the data using a logic tree format to rule out pathogens for consideration as select agents arrived at similar conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Segaran P. Pillai
- Office of the Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Silver Spring, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Segaran P. Pillai,
| | - Julia A. Fruetel
- Sandia National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Kevin Anderson
- Science and Technology Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Rebecca Levinson
- Sandia National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Patricia Hernandez
- Sandia National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Brandon Heimer
- Sandia National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Livermore, CA, United States
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10
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Boro R, Iyer PC, Walczak MA. Current Landscape of Coccidioidomycosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8040413. [PMID: 35448644 PMCID: PMC9027852 DOI: 10.3390/jof8040413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley fever, is an endemic fungal infection commonly found in the southwestern parts of the United States. However, the disease has seen an increase in both in its area of residency and its prevalence. This review compiles some of the latest information on the epidemiology, current and in-development pharmaceutical approaches to treat the disease, trends and projections, diagnostic concerns, and the overlapping dynamics of coccidioidomycosis and COVID-19, including in special populations. This review provides an overview of the current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and identifies areas of future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Boro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
| | - Prema C. Iyer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
- Correspondence: (P.C.I.); (M.A.W.)
| | - Maciej A. Walczak
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Correspondence: (P.C.I.); (M.A.W.)
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11
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Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis, colloquially known as Valley Fever, is an invasive dimorphic fungal infection caused by Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii. The fungi are found in the arid desert soils of the southwestern US, as well as in parts of Mexico and Central and South America. Acquisition is typically via inhalation of arthroconidia which become airborne after both natural (e.g., earthquakes, dust storms, and fires) and human-related events (e.g., military maneuvers, recreational activities, agriculture, and construction). The incidence of infection in increasing likely a result of both climatic and populational changes. Further, the recognized geographic distribution of Coccidioides spp. is expanding, as cases are being diagnosed in new areas (e.g., eastern Washington, Oregon, and Utah). Most coccidioidal infections are asymptomatic (60%); however, approximately one-third develop a pulmonary illness which is a leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia in highly endemic areas. Uncommonly (0.5–2% of cases), the infection disseminates to extrapulmonary locations (e.g., skin, bones/joints, and the central nervous system), and is most commonly seen among persons with cellular immunodeficiencies (e.g., transplant recipients, HIV, and pregnancy) and non-Caucasian races (especially African Americans and Filipinos). The diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis requires astute clinical suspicion and laboratory findings, including positive serology, cultures, and/or histopathology results. Treatment is warranted among persons with pneumonia who have risk factors for complicated disease and among those with extrapulmonary disease. Novel antifungals with improved fungicidal activity and rapidity of action with fewer side effects and drug interactions are needed. Preventive strategies (e.g., education regarding the disease, dust avoidance, mask wearing, including among select groups, antifungal prophylaxis, and surveillance laboratory testing) are advised for residents and travelers to endemic areas. Currently, no preventive vaccine is available. Coccidioidomycosis has been recognized for over a century, and an expanding wealth of knowledge has been gained regarding this emerging infectious disease which will be reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy F Crum
- Infectious Diseases Department, Scripps Health System, San Diego, CA, USA.
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12
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Stewart AJ. Coccidiomycosis: Evidence from human medicine to diagnose and treat equids. EQUINE VET EDUC 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. J. Stewart
- School of Veterinary Science Equine Specialist Hospital University of Queensland Gatton Queensland Australia
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13
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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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14
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Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis Presenting as Fever of Unknown Origin and Erythema Nodosum in a 3-Year-Old Child. Case Rep Pediatr 2021; 2021:1755163. [PMID: 34691799 PMCID: PMC8536444 DOI: 10.1155/2021/1755163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Disseminated coccidioidomycosis is a disease caused by Coccidioides species, fungi endemic to the southwestern United States. We present here an uncommon case of a young child with erythema nodosum and fever of unknown origin, found to have the infection. While more common in adults, coccidioidomycosis should be considered in all patients with erythema nodosum.
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15
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Carey A, Gorris ME, Chiller T, Jackson B, Beadles W, Webb BJ. Epidemiology, Clinical Features, and Outcomes of Coccidioidomycosis, Utah, 2006-2015. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:2269-2277. [PMID: 34423764 PMCID: PMC8386810 DOI: 10.3201/eid2709.210751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
On the basis of a 1957 geographic Coccidioides seropositivity survey, 3 counties in southwestern Utah, USA, were considered coccidioidomycosis-endemic, but there has been a paucity of information on the disease burden in Utah since. We report findings from a recent clinical and epidemiologic study of coccidioidomycosis in Utah. To describe clinical characteristics, we identified all coccidioidomycosis cases in an integrated health system in the state during 2006-2015. For epidemiologic analysis, we used cases reported to the Utah Department of Health during 2009-2015. Mean state incidence was 1.83 cases/100,000 population/year. Washington County, in southwestern Utah, had the highest incidence, 17.2 cases/100,000 population/year. In a generalized linear model with time as a fixed effect, mean annual temperature, population, and new construction were associated with regional variations in incidence. Using these variables in a spatiotemporal model, we estimated the adjusted regional variation by county to predict areas where Coccidioides infections might increase.
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16
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Gastélum-Cano JM, Dautt-Castro M, García-Galaz A, Felix-Murray K, Rascón-Careaga A, Cano-Rangel MA, Islas-Osuna MA. The clinical laboratory evolution in coccidioidomycosis detection: Future perspectives. J Mycol Med 2021; 31:101159. [PMID: 34157512 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2021.101159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis is a systemic disease caused by the fungi Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii. It is a prevalent disease in arid regions with high temperatures and low precipitations in America. Coccidioidomycosis is a highly endemic disease of US-Mexico border states but commonly underdiagnosed. The diagnosis of coccidiomycosis is not easy due to the lack of specific symptoms; it is usually an integral approach, including clinical laboratory tests as an essential part of the diagnosis. Nevertheless, despite various laboratory tests available, affordability can be a limitation, mainly in developing countries. This review's objectives are 1) to learn the different laboratory approaches that arose and their application for clinical diagnosis; 2) to discuss their advantages and weaknesses, and finally, 3) propose what is on the horizon for future advances in clinical laboratory diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis. It has been a long way in laboratory tests evolution to detect coccidioidomycosis from tissue microscopy to Real-Time PCR. However, there is a delay in technology adoption for Coccidioides spp. detection in the clinical laboratory. The molecular Point of Care Testing (POCT) technology has reached us in our trench while research in PCR variants stills on-going. None of the currently existing scientific literature in coccidioidomycosis research has mentioned it. However, this trend in infectious and non-infectious disease diagnosis will continue in that way in order to offer better options for an easy and fast diagnosis. Undoubtedly, the implementation of molecular POCT for Coccidioides spp. would save resources in health care attention and improve access to diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- José María Gastélum-Cano
- Lab. de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A.C. (CIAD, A.C.) Gustavo Enrique Astiazarán Rosas No. 46. La Victoria, Hermosillo, Sonora 83304, Mexico
| | - Mitzuko Dautt-Castro
- Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica A.C. (IPICYT). Camino a la Presa de San José No. 2055. Lomas 4ta Sección, San Luis Potosí, S.L.P. 78216, Mexico
| | - Alfonso García-Galaz
- Lab. de Microbiología Molecular, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A.C. (CIAD, A.C.) Gustavo Enrique Astiazarán Rosas No. 46. La Victoria, Hermosillo, Sonora 83304, Mexico
| | - Katya Felix-Murray
- Universidad de Sonora. Blvd. Luis Encinas y Rosales S/N. Col. Centro, Hermosillo, Sonora 83000, Mexico
| | - Antonio Rascón-Careaga
- Universidad de Sonora. Blvd. Luis Encinas y Rosales S/N. Col. Centro, Hermosillo, Sonora 83000, Mexico
| | - Manuel A Cano-Rangel
- Hospital Infantil del Estado de Sonora (HIES), Reforma 355. Ley 57, Hermosillo, Sonora 83100, Mexico
| | - María A Islas-Osuna
- Lab. de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A.C. (CIAD, A.C.) Gustavo Enrique Astiazarán Rosas No. 46. La Victoria, Hermosillo, Sonora 83304, Mexico.
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17
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van Rhijn N, Bromley M. The Consequences of Our Changing Environment on Life Threatening and Debilitating Fungal Diseases in Humans. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:367. [PMID: 34067211 PMCID: PMC8151111 DOI: 10.3390/jof7050367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human activities have significantly impacted the environment and are changing our climate in ways that will have major consequences for ourselves, and endanger animal, plant and microbial life on Earth. Rising global temperatures and pollution have been highlighted as potential drivers for increases in infectious diseases. Although infrequently highlighted, fungi are amongst the leading causes of infectious disease mortality, resulting in more than 1.5 million deaths every year. In this review we evaluate the evidence linking anthropomorphic impacts with changing epidemiology of fungal disease. We highlight how the geographic footprint of endemic mycosis has expanded, how populations susceptible to fungal infection and fungal allergy may increase and how climate change may select for pathogenic traits and indirectly contribute to the emergence of drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Bromley
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
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18
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Coccidioidal meningitis in non-AIDS patients. A case series at a Mexican neurological referral center. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2020; 196:106011. [PMID: 32593044 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.106011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coccidioidal meningitis is a life-threatening condition and a diagnostic challenge in cases of chronic meningitis. It is associated to severe complications, like basal arachnoiditis, hydrocephalus, and secondary vasculitis. OBJECTIVE To present a 20-year retrospective clinical series of coccidioidal meningitis cases at a Mexican neurological referral center. RESULTS The clinical records of 11 patients, predominantly males, were retrieved. Weight loss and night sweats were observed in 64 % of cases. Neurological signs included intracranial hypertension in 91 % of cases, altered alertness and meningeal syndrome in 72 %, and neuropsychiatric symptoms in 64 %. Mean CSF glucose levels were 30 ± 25 mg/dL, and pleocytosis ranged from 0 to 2218 cells/mm3. The diagnosis was confirmed by coccidioidal antigen latex agglutination in 91 % of cases. Radiological findings were hepatomegaly in 55 % of cases and pneumonia in 45 %. Neuroimaging findings included leptomeningitis in 73 % of cases, pachymeningitis in 45 %, and vascular involvement in 91 %. Less common findings included spinal cord lesion and mycotic aneurism, found in 18 % of cases. A molecular coccidioidal DNA test confirmed the predominance of Coccidioides immitis, detected in 64 % of cases. With respect to the clinical outcome, 46 % of patients died. The survivors suffered from sequels like chronic headache, cognitive alterations, and depression. CONCLUSIONS Coccidioidal meningitis is an entity with high mortality rates. More than one half of patients suffered disseminated disease. Although meningeal signs are not frequent in chronic meningitis, more than two-thirds of our patients showed mild nuchal rigidity. In addition, cerebral and cerebellar volume loss, associated with cognitive impairment and depression, was often observed in surviving patients during the clinical-radiological follow-up.
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19
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Critical Analysis of the Value of Drought Information and Impacts on Land Management and Public Health. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12041064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
This paper reviews previous efforts to assign monetary value to climatic or meteorological information, such as public information on drought, climate, early warning systems, and weather forecast information. Methods and tools that have been explored to examine the benefits of climatic and meteorological information include the avoided cost, contingent valuation, choice experiments, benefit transfer, and descriptive approaches using surveys. The second part of this paper discusses specific considerations related to valuing drought information for public health and the Bureau of Land Management. We found a multitude of connections between drought and the land management and health sectors in the literature. The majority of the papers that we summarized only report biophysical change, because the economic losses of drought are not available. Only a few papers reported economic loss associated with drought. To determine the value of drought information, we need to know more about the role it plays in decision making and what sources of drought information are used in different sectors. This inventory of methods and impacts highlights opportunities for further research in valuing drought information in land management and public health.
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20
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Weaver E, Kolivras KN, Thomas RQ, Thomas VA, Abbas KM. Environmental factors affecting ecological niche of Coccidioides species and spatial dynamics of valley fever in the United States. Spat Spatiotemporal Epidemiol 2020; 32:100317. [PMID: 32007282 DOI: 10.1016/j.sste.2019.100317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis is an understudied infectious disease acquired by inhaling fungal spores of Coccidioides species. While historically connected to the southwestern United States, the endemic region for this disease is not well defined. This study's objective was to estimate the impact of climate, soil, elevation and land cover on the Coccidioides species' ecological niche. This research used maximum entropy ecological niche modeling based on disease case data from 2015 to 2016. Results found mean temperature of the driest quarter, and barren, shrub, and cultivated land covers influential in characterizing the niche. In addition to hotspots in central California and Arizona, the Columbia Plateau ecoregion of Washington and Oregon showed more favorable conditions for fungus presence than surrounding areas. The identification of influential spatial drivers will assist in future modeling efforts, and the potential distribution map generated may aid public health officials in watching for potential hotspots, assessing vulnerability, and refining endemicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Weaver
- Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering, U.S. Military Academy, 745 Brewerton Road, West Point, NY 10996.
| | - Korine N Kolivras
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 115 Major Williams Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061
| | - R Quinn Thomas
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 115 Major Williams Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061
| | - Valarie A Thomas
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 115 Major Williams Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061
| | - Kaja M Abbas
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 119 LSHTM Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
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21
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Allen V, Longley N, Galloway JB, Bechman K. The immunosuppressed traveler: infection risks with autoimmunity and immunosuppression, vaccinations, and general travel advice. HANDBOOK OF SYSTEMIC AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES 2020. [PMCID: PMC7151825 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64217-2.00006-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The travel-related infection risks in the significantly immunocompromised traveler are complex and comprise vaccine preventable, vector-borne, and other nonvaccine preventable infections. A thorough risk assessment should be performed before travel and advice sought from relevant specialists. Immunosuppression used to treat autoimmune diseases and their mechanisms of action need particular consideration.This risk assessment needs to take the patient's beliefs and preferences into account. It is also important not to neglect noninfectious travel considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Allen
- Department of Infection, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicky Longley
- Consultant in Infectious Diseases and Travel Medicine at The Hospital For Tropical Diseases, London, United Kingdom
- Associate Professor at The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - James B. Galloway
- MRC Clinical Research Training Fellow, Centre for Rheumatic Disease, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
- Corresponding Author: E-mail:
| | - Katie Bechman
- MRC Clinical Research Training Fellow, Centre for Rheumatic Disease, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
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22
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Kollath DR, Miller KJ, Barker BM. The mysterious desert dwellers: Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii, causative fungal agents of coccidioidomycosis. Virulence 2019; 10:222-233. [PMID: 30898028 PMCID: PMC6527015 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2019.1589363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Coccidioides consists of two species: C. immitis and C. posadasii. Prior to 2000, all disease was thought to be caused by a single species, C. immitis. The organism grows in arid to semiarid alkaline soils throughout western North America and into Central and South America. Regions in the United States, with highest prevalence of disease, include California, Arizona, and Texas. The Mexican states of Baja California, Coahuila, Sonora, and Neuvo Leon currently have the highest skin test positive results. Central America contains isolated endemic areas in Guatemala and Honduras. South America has isolated regions of high endemicity including areas of Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. Although approximately 15,000 cases per year are reported in the United States, actual disease burden is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands, as only California and Arizona have dedicated public health outreach, and report and track disease reliably. In this review, we survey genomics, epidemiology, ecology, and summarize aspects of disease, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R. Kollath
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Karis J. Miller
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Bridget M. Barker
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
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23
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Matlock M, Hopfer S, Ogunseitan OA. Communicating Risk for a Climate-Sensitive Disease: A Case Study of Valley Fever in Central California. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E3254. [PMID: 31491843 PMCID: PMC6765846 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16183254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Valley Fever, or Coccidioidomycosis, a fungal respiratory disease, is prevalent with increasing incidence in the Southwestern United States, especially in the central region of California. Public health agencies in the region do not have a consistent strategy for communication and health promotion targeting vulnerable communities about this climate-sensitive disease. We used the behavior adaptation communication model to design and conduct semi-structured interviews with representatives of public health agencies in five California counties: Fresno, Kern, Kings, San Luis Obispo, and Tulare County. While none of the agencies currently include climate change information into their Valley Fever risk messaging, the agencies discuss future communication methods similar to other health risk factors such as poor air quality days and influenza virus season. For political reasons, some public health agencies deliberately avoided the use of climate change language in communicating health risk factors to farmers who are particularly vulnerable to soil and dust-borne fungal spores. The effectiveness of health communication activities of the public health agencies has not been measured in reducing the prevalence of Valley Fever in impacted communities. Given the transboundary nature of climate influence on Valley Fever risk, a concerted and consistent health communication strategy is expected to be more effective than current practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Matlock
- Department of Population Health and Disease Prevention, Program in Public Health; Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
| | - Suellen Hopfer
- Department of Population Health and Disease Prevention, Program in Public Health; Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
| | - Oladele A Ogunseitan
- Department of Population Health and Disease Prevention, Program in Public Health; Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- School of Social Ecology; University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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24
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Jasbi P, Mitchell NM, Shi X, Grys TE, Wei Y, Liu L, Lake DF, Gu H. Coccidioidomycosis Detection Using Targeted Plasma and Urine Metabolic Profiling. J Proteome Res 2019; 18:2791-2802. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.9b00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paniz Jasbi
- Arizona Metabolomics Laboratory, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Scottsdale, Arizona 85259, United States
| | - Natalie M. Mitchell
- School of Life Sciences, Mayo Clinic Collaborative Research Building, Arizona State University, Scottsdale, Arizona 85259, United States
| | - Xiaojian Shi
- Arizona Metabolomics Laboratory, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Scottsdale, Arizona 85259, United States
| | - Thomas E. Grys
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona 85054, United States
| | - Yiping Wei
- Arizona Metabolomics Laboratory, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Scottsdale, Arizona 85259, United States
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85259, United States
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona 85259, United States
| | - Douglas F. Lake
- School of Life Sciences, Mayo Clinic Collaborative Research Building, Arizona State University, Scottsdale, Arizona 85259, United States
| | - Haiwei Gu
- Arizona Metabolomics Laboratory, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Scottsdale, Arizona 85259, United States
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McCotter O, Kennedy J, McCollum J, Bartholomew M, Iralu J, Jackson BR, Haberling D, Benedict K. Coccidioidomycosis Among American Indians and Alaska Natives, 2001-2014. Open Forum Infect Dis 2019; 6:ofz052. [PMID: 30882015 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofz052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) may be uniquely vulnerable to coccidioidomycosis given the large population residing in the Southwestern United States. We describe coccidioidomycosis-associated hospitalizations and outpatient visits during 2001-2014 in the Indian Health Service (IHS) system and compare hospitalizations with data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS). Methods We identified hospitalizations in the IHS and the NIS and outpatient visits in the IHS using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes 114.0-114.9. We calculated average annual hospitalization and outpatient visit rates per 1 000 000 population and used Poisson regression to calculate rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used multivariable logistic regression to assess factors associated with IHS hospitalization. Results AI/ANs had the highest average annual hospitalization rate (58.0; 95% CI, 49.5-66.6) of any racial/ethnic group in the NIS, compared with 13.4 (95% CI, 12.7-14.2) for non-Hispanic whites. IHS data showed a hospitalization rate of 37.0; the median length of stay (interquartile range) was 6 (3-10) days. The average annual outpatient visit rate in IHS was 764.2, and it increased from 529.9 in 2001 to 845.9 in 2014. Male sex, age ≥65 years, diabetes, and extrapulmonary or progressive coccidioidomycosis were independently associated with increased risk for hospitalization. Twenty-four percent of patients had ICD-9-CM codes for community-acquired pneumonia in the 3 months before coccidioidomycosis diagnosis. Conclusions AI/ANs experience high coccidioidomycosis-associated hospitalization rates, high morbidity, and possible missed opportunities for earlier diagnosis. Yearly trends in IHS data were similar to the general increase in hospitalizations and reported cases nationwide in the same period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orion McCotter
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jordan Kennedy
- Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | | | | | - Brendan R Jackson
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Dana Haberling
- Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kaitlin Benedict
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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26
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Tetro JA. From hidden outbreaks to epidemic emergencies: the threat associated with neglecting emerging pathogens. Microbes Infect 2019; 21:4-9. [PMID: 29959095 PMCID: PMC7110498 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Not all infectious disease outbreaks undergo full epidemiological investigations. In certain situations, the resultant lack of knowledge has led to the development of epidemics and public health emergencies. This review will examine six emerging pathogens including their history, present status, and potential to expand to epidemics. Recommendations to improve our understanding of these hidden outbreaks and others also will be provided in the context of health systems policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason A Tetro
- College of Biological Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Jones JM, Koski L, Khan M, Brady S, Sunenshine R, Komatsu KK. Coccidioidomycosis: An underreported cause of death-Arizona, 2008-2013. Med Mycol 2018; 56:172-179. [PMID: 28595294 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myx041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In Arizona during 1997-2013, coccidioidomycosis increased from 21 to 90 cases/100,000 population, but coccidioidomycosis-associated deaths remained stable at 3-6 deaths/million population. We used the capture-recapture method by using death certificates and hospital discharge data to more fully estimate the total number of coccidioidomycosis-attributable deaths and compared this with published estimates. Death certificates were included if any cause of death included coccidioidomycosis; hospital discharge data deaths were included if any discharge diagnosis included coccidioidomycosis and laboratory confirmation. Among deaths during 2008-2013, we identified 529 coccidioidomycosis-attributable deaths from death certificates and 560 from hospital discharge data, with 251 deaths identified in both databases. Capture-recapture estimated 1,178 total coccidioidomycosis-attributable deaths, compared with 164 deaths (underlying cause of death) or 529 deaths (any cause of death) on death certificates. Coccidioidomycosis-attributable deaths are underreported from two- to sevenfold on Arizona death certificates, demonstrating an education need for death certifiers to document coccidioidomycosis mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jefferson M Jones
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Phoenix, Arizona, USA; and Arizona Department of Health Services, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Lia Koski
- Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Mohammed Khan
- Arizona Department of Health Services, Phoenix, Arizona, USA; and Department of Epidemiology and Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shane Brady
- Arizona Department of Health Services, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Rebecca Sunenshine
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; and Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Ken K Komatsu
- Arizona Department of Health Services, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
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Maxwell CS, Mattox K, Turissini DA, Teixeira MM, Barker BM, Matute DR. Gene exchange between two divergent species of the fungal human pathogen, Coccidioides. Evolution 2018; 73:42-58. [PMID: 30414183 DOI: 10.1111/evo.13643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The fungal genus Coccidioides is composed of two species, Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii. These two species are the causal agents of coccidioidomycosis, a pulmonary disease also known as valley fever. The two species are thought to have shared genetic material due to gene exchange in spite of their long divergence. To quantify the magnitude of shared ancestry between them, we analyzed the genomes of a population sample from each species. Next, we inferred what is the expected size of shared haplotypes that might be inherited from the last common ancestor of the two species and find a cutoff to find what haplotypes have conclusively been exchanged between species. Finally, we precisely identified the breakpoints of the haplotypes that have crossed the species boundary and measure the allele frequency of each introgression in this sample. We find that introgressions are not uniformly distributed across the genome. Most, but not all, of the introgressions segregate at low frequency. Our results show that divergent species can share alleles, that species boundaries can be porous, and highlight the need for a systematic exploration of gene exchange in fungal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin S Maxwell
- Biology Department, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Kathleen Mattox
- Biology Department, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - David A Turissini
- Biology Department, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Marcus M Teixeira
- Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Bridget M Barker
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona
| | - Daniel R Matute
- Biology Department, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Shubitz LF, Powell DA, Trinh HT, Lewis ML, Orbach MJ, Frelinger JA, Galgiani JN. Viable spores of Coccidioides posadasii Δcps1 are required for vaccination and provide long lasting immunity. Vaccine 2018; 36:3375-3380. [PMID: 29724507 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis is a systemic fungal infection for which a vaccine has been sought for over fifty years. The avirulent Coccidioides posadasii strain, Δcps1, which is missing a 6 kb gene, showed significant protection in mice. These studies explore conditions of protection in mice and elucidate the immune response. Mice were vaccinated with different doses and viability states of Δcps1 spores, challenged with virulent C. posadasii, and sacrificed at various endpoints, dependent on experimental objectives. Tissues from vaccinated mice were harvested for in vitro elucidation of immune response. Vaccination with viable Δcps1 spores was required for protection from lethal challenge. Viable spore vaccination produced durable immunity, lasting at least 6 months, and prolonged survival (≥6 months). The C. posadasii vaccine strain also protected mice against C. immitis (survival ≥ 6 months). Cytokines from infected lungs of vaccinated mice in the first four days after Cp challenge showed significant increases of IFN-γ, as did stimulated CD4+ spleen cells from vaccinated mice. Transfer of CD4+ cells, but not CD8+ or B cells, reduced fungal burdens following challenge. IFN-γ from CD4+ cells in vaccinated mice indicates a Th1 response, which is critical for host control of coccidioidomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa F Shubitz
- Valley Fever Center for Excellence, The University of Arizona, 1656 E Mabel St, PO Box 245215, Tucson, AZ 85724, United States.
| | - Daniel A Powell
- Valley Fever Center for Excellence, The University of Arizona, 1656 E Mabel St, PO Box 245215, Tucson, AZ 85724, United States; Department of Immunobiology, The University of Arizona, 1656 E Mabel St, PO Box 245221, Tucson, AZ 85724, United States
| | - Hien T Trinh
- Valley Fever Center for Excellence, The University of Arizona, 1656 E Mabel St, PO Box 245215, Tucson, AZ 85724, United States
| | - M Lourdes Lewis
- Valley Fever Center for Excellence, The University of Arizona, 1656 E Mabel St, PO Box 245215, Tucson, AZ 85724, United States
| | - Marc J Orbach
- School of Plant Sciences, P.O. Box 210036, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
| | - Jeffrey A Frelinger
- Department of Immunobiology, The University of Arizona, 1656 E Mabel St, PO Box 245221, Tucson, AZ 85724, United States
| | - John N Galgiani
- Valley Fever Center for Excellence, The University of Arizona, 1656 E Mabel St, PO Box 245215, Tucson, AZ 85724, United States; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, PO Box 245039, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, United States
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Noble JA, Nelson RG, Fufaa GD, Kang P, Shafir SC, Galgiani JN. Effect of Geography on the Analysis of Coccidioidomycosis-Associated Deaths, United States. Emerg Infect Dis 2018; 22:1821-3. [PMID: 27649029 PMCID: PMC5038404 DOI: 10.3201/eid2210.160696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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
Because coccidioidomycosis death rates vary by region, we reanalyzed coccidioidomycosis-associated mortality in the United States by race/ethnicity, then limited analysis to Arizona and California. Coccidioidomycosis-associated deaths were shown to increase among African-Americans but decrease among Native Americans and Hispanics. Separately, in a Native American cohort, diabetes co-varied with coccidioidomycosis-associated death.
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Diaz JH. Travel-related risk factors for coccidioidomycosis. J Travel Med 2018; 25:5001358. [PMID: 29796604 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/tay027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coccidioidomycosis is a regionally endemic systemic mycosis with unique risk factors. Since people travel for business or pleasure, and often in conjunction with their avocations or hobbies, the objectives of this review were to describe these and other risk factors for coccidioidomycosis; to alert travel medicine clinicians to the different presenting manifestations of coccidioidomycosis; and to recommend effective treatment, disease control and prevention strategies. METHODS To meet the objectives of this review, Internet search engines were queried with the keywords as medical subject headings over the study period, 1970-2017. RESULTS The principle transmission mechanism of coccidioidomycosis is by deep inhalation of aerosolized arthroconidia with resulting symptomatic pulmonary infections ranging from febrile influenza-like illnesses to fatal disseminated mycoses. In addition to residency or travel in endemic areas, persons immunocompromised by advancing age, pregnancy, cancer, corticosteroid therapy, diabetes, organ transplantation and human immunodeficiency virus infection are at significantly increased risks of contracting coccidioidomycosis. Persons of African, Asian, Filipino and Hispanic descent are also at increased risks of contracting coccidioidomycosis. Hobbies associated with coccidioidomycosis have included armadillo hunting, model airplane flying and archaeological digging. Occupational risk factors for coccidioidomycosis include endemic exposures during military maneuvers, outdoor track and field events, road construction, solar-power and wind-power farm construction, archaeological excavation and prison work. CONCLUSIONS Coccidioidomycosis is more common in endemic and non-endemic areas than previously recognized and can result in considerable morbidity and mortality. Coccidioidomycosis is increasingly imported from endemic areas in the Western Hemisphere to non-endemic areas worldwide. Increased awareness of disease risk factors among the public and the international healthcare community will improve the timely diagnosis and treatment of coccidioidomycosis and prevent disease progression, dissemination and deaths in residents in and in travellers returning from endemic regions. A vaccine for the primary prevention of coccidioidomycosis would be cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H Diaz
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health and School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC), Office 2020 Gravier Street, Third Floor, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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Sondermeyer GL, Lee LA, Gilliss D, Vugia DJ. Coccidioidomycosis-Associated Deaths in California, 2000-2013. Public Health Rep 2017; 131:531-5. [PMID: 27453596 DOI: 10.1177/0033354916662210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of cases of coccidioidomycosis and associated hospitalizations increased in California during 2000-2013. During that period, a total of 1,098 death records listed coccidioidomycosis as a cause, averaging 78 deaths annually (range: 43-108). The death rate peaked in 2006 and was significantly higher among males than among females, among African American patients than among white patients, and among residents of the coccidioidomycosis-endemic region of California than among residents of the less endemic regions (p<0.001). A higher death rate was associated with increasing age and was highest (8.8 per 1 million population) among adults aged ≥75 years. Of coccidioidomycosis-associated deaths, 31.9% had a contributing cause of death of severe/disseminated disease, 31.8% of unspecified -coccidioidomycosis, and 28.3% of pulmonary unspecified coccidioidomycosis, per International Classification of Diseases codes. Diabetes was a contributing cause in 19.3% of deaths, and other immunocompromising conditions were a contributing cause in 15.9% of deaths. Populations at higher risk for coccidioidomycosis--associated deaths are similar to those at higher risk for coccidioidomycosis-associated hospitalizations and infection. Awareness for coccidioidomycosis among these groups and their providers is important for proper diagnosis and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail L Sondermeyer
- California Department of Public Health, Infectious Diseases Branch, Richmond, CA
| | - Lauren A Lee
- California Department of Public Health, Infectious Diseases Branch, Richmond, CA
| | - Debra Gilliss
- California Department of Public Health, Infectious Diseases Branch, Richmond, CA
| | - Duc J Vugia
- California Department of Public Health, Infectious Diseases Branch, Richmond, CA
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Coopersmith EJ, Bell JE, Benedict K, Shriber J, McCotter O, Cosh MH. Relating coccidioidomycosis (valley fever) incidence to soil moisture conditions. GEOHEALTH 2017; 1:51-63. [PMID: 29124249 PMCID: PMC5672948 DOI: 10.1002/2016gh000033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis (also called Valley fever) is caused by a soilborne fungus, Coccidioides spp., in arid regions of the southwestern United States. Though some who develop infections from this fungus remain asymptomatic, others develop respiratory disease as a consequence. Less commonly, severe illness and death can occur when the infection spreads to other regions of the body. Previous analyses have attempted to connect the incidence of coccidioidomycosis to broadly available climatic measurements, such as precipitation or temperature. However, with the limited availability of long-term, in situ soil moisture data sets, it has not been feasible to perform a direct analysis of the relationships between soil moisture levels and coccidioidomycosis incidence on a larger temporal and spatial scale. Utilizing in situ soil moisture gauges throughout the southwest from the U.S. Climate Reference Network and a model with which to extend those estimates, this work connects periods of higher and lower soil moisture in Arizona and California between 2002 and 2014 to the reported incidence of coccidioidomycosis. The results indicate that in both states, coccidioidomycosis incidence is related to soil moisture levels from previous summers and falls. Stated differently, a higher number of coccidioidomycosis cases are likely to be reported if previous bands of months have been atypically wet or dry, depending on the location.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. J. Coopersmith
- USDA‐ARS‐Hydrology and Remote Sensing LaboratoryBeltsvilleMarylandUSA
| | - J. E. Bell
- Cooperative Institute for Climate and Satellites‐NCAshevilleNorth CarolinaUSA
- NOAA‐National Centers for Environmental InformationAshevilleNorth CarolinaUSA
- Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of Public HealthEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - K. Benedict
- Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - J. Shriber
- Department of Public HealthEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - O. McCotter
- Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - M. H. Cosh
- USDA‐ARS‐Hydrology and Remote Sensing LaboratoryBeltsvilleMarylandUSA
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Calvani J, Feuillet S, Dorfmuller P, de Montpréville VT, Mussot S, Ghigna MR. [A case of lung infection imported from the United-States]. Ann Pathol 2017; 37:202-205. [PMID: 28318776 DOI: 10.1016/j.annpat.2017.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Revised: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julien Calvani
- Service d'anatomie et de cytologie pathologiques, hôpital Marie-Lannelongue, 133, avenue de la Résistance, 92350 Le Plessis-Robinson, France
| | - Séverine Feuillet
- Département de chirurgie thoracique, hôpital Marie-Lannelongue, 133, avenue de la Résistance, 92350 Le Plessis-Robinson, France
| | - Peter Dorfmuller
- Service d'anatomie et de cytologie pathologiques, hôpital Marie-Lannelongue, 133, avenue de la Résistance, 92350 Le Plessis-Robinson, France
| | - Vincent Thomas de Montpréville
- Service d'anatomie et de cytologie pathologiques, hôpital Marie-Lannelongue, 133, avenue de la Résistance, 92350 Le Plessis-Robinson, France
| | - Sacha Mussot
- Département de chirurgie thoracique, hôpital Marie-Lannelongue, 133, avenue de la Résistance, 92350 Le Plessis-Robinson, France
| | - Maria Rosa Ghigna
- Service d'anatomie et de cytologie pathologiques, hôpital Marie-Lannelongue, 133, avenue de la Résistance, 92350 Le Plessis-Robinson, France.
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35
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Forrester JD, Guo HH, Weiser TG. Coccidioidomycosis: Surgical Issues and Implications. Surg Infect (Larchmt) 2016; 17:645-655. [PMID: 27740893 DOI: 10.1089/sur.2016.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coccidioidomycosis, commonly called "valley fever," "San Joaquin fever," "desert fever," or "desert rheumatism," is a multi-system illness caused by infection with Coccidioides fungi (C. immitis or C. posadasii). This organism is endemic to the desert Southwest regions of the United States and Mexico and to parts of South America. The manifestations of infection occur along a spectrum from asymptomatic to mild self-limited fever to severe disseminated disease. METHODS Review of the English-language literature. RESULTS There are five broad indications for surgical intervention in patients with coccidioidomycosis: Tissue diagnosis in patients at risk for co-existing pathology, perforation, bleeding, impingement on critical organs, and failure to resolve with medical management. As part of a multidisciplinary team, surgeons may be responsible for the care of infected patients, particularly those with severe disease. CONCLUSION This review discusses the history, microbiology, epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis, and treatment of coccidioidomycosis, focusing on situations that may be encountered by surgeons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Haiwei Henry Guo
- 2 Department of Radiology, Stanford University , Stanford, California
| | - Thomas G Weiser
- 1 Department of Surgery, Stanford University , Stanford, California
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Pianalto KM, Alspaugh JA. New Horizons in Antifungal Therapy. J Fungi (Basel) 2016; 2:jof2040026. [PMID: 29376943 PMCID: PMC5715934 DOI: 10.3390/jof2040026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent investigations have yielded both profound insights into the mechanisms required by pathogenic fungi for virulence within the human host, as well as novel potential targets for antifungal therapeutics. Some of these studies have resulted in the identification of novel compounds that act against these pathways and also demonstrate potent antifungal activity. However, considerable effort is required to move from pre-clinical compound testing to true clinical trials, a necessary step toward ultimately bringing new drugs to market. The rising incidence of invasive fungal infections mandates continued efforts to identify new strategies for antifungal therapy. Moreover, these life-threatening infections often occur in our most vulnerable patient populations. In addition to finding completely novel antifungal compounds, there is also a renewed effort to redirect existing drugs for use as antifungal agents. Several recent screens have identified potent antifungal activity in compounds previously indicated for other uses in humans. Together, the combined efforts of academic investigators and the pharmaceutical industry is resulting in exciting new possibilities for the treatment of invasive fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaila M Pianalto
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - J Andrew Alspaugh
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
- Department of Medicine/Infectious Diseases, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, 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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Flavell RR, Behr SC, Mabray MC, Hernandez-Pampaloni M, Naeger DM. Detecting Pulmonary Nodules in Lung Cancer Patients Using Whole Body FDG PET/CT, High-resolution Lung Reformat of FDG PET/CT, or Diagnostic Breath Hold Chest CT. Acad Radiol 2016; 23:1123-9. [PMID: 27283073 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2016.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Pulmonary nodules can be missed on the non-breath hold computed tomography (CT) portion of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT), and for this reason prior studies have advocated for routinely performing dedicated breath hold CT of the chest in addition to PET/CT for routine staging of malignancy. We evaluated the rate of pulmonary nodule detection on standard CT images from whole body PET/CT studies (WB-PET/CT), high-resolution lung reconstruction CT images from PET/CT studies (HR-PET/CT), and diagnostic breath hold chest CT (BH-CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS A cohort of 25 patients was identified who had a history of lung cancer as well as a PET/CT staging or restaging scan and BH-CT within 30 days of each other. All PET/CTs included a set of CT images using a soft tissue algorithm filter and 3.75- to 5-mm slice thickness, as well as high-resolution reformats with a sharp reconstruction filter and 2-mm slice thickness. The CT images from WB-PET/CT, HR-PET/CT, and BH-CT were reviewed by three radiologists. Significance was analyzed by two-way repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS There were 2.84 nodules found per patient with WB-PET/CT, 3.85 nodules with HR-PET/CT, and 3.91 nodules with BH-CT. When only nodules less than or equal to 8 mm in size were considered, WB-PET/CT also demonstrated significantly fewer nodules (1.98) compared to the HR-PET/CT (2.94) or a BH-CT (2.86) (P < 0.001). No difference in detection rate was noted between the two higher resolution modalities. CONCLUSIONS More pulmonary nodules are detected on the CT portion of PET/CT studies when high-resolution reformatted images are created and reviewed. The ability to detect nodules with the reformatted images was indistinguishable from dedicated BH-CT. Overall, high-resolution reformats of PET/CT images of the lungs can increase the sensitivity for pulmonary nodule detection, approaching that of dedicated BH-CT. These data suggest that if HR-PET/CT reformats are used, additional dedicated BH-CT is unnecessary for routine staging of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert R Flavell
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Ave, M-391, San Francisco, CA 94143-0628
| | - Spencer C Behr
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Ave, M-391, San Francisco, CA 94143-0628
| | - Marc C Mabray
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Ave, M-391, San Francisco, CA 94143-0628
| | - Miguel Hernandez-Pampaloni
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Ave, M-391, San Francisco, CA 94143-0628
| | - David M Naeger
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Ave, M-391, San Francisco, CA 94143-0628.
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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: 318] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.8] [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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Risk Factors and Epidemiology of Coccidioidomycosis Demonstrated by a Case of Spontaneous Pulmonary Rupture of Cavitary Coccidioidomycosis. Case Rep Infect Dis 2016; 2016:8165414. [PMID: 26904326 PMCID: PMC4745348 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8165414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A 31-year-old Hispanic male with no medical history was admitted for fevers, pleurisy, and cough after recent oral surgery and completing demolition and construction work in Juarez, Mexico. Imaging showed a 4.4 cm cavitary lesion and bilateral tree-in-bud opacities. Initial suspicion of bacterial infection confirmed with clinical improvement on culture specific antibiotics, but after discharge he returned with progression of symptoms and new dyspnea. Radiograph showed a pyopneumothorax. Chest computed tomography after thoracostomy showed worsening infiltrates and another cavitary lesion. Symptoms persisted despite addition of broad spectrum antibiotics. Surgical repair for persistent air leak was required. Weeks after discharge, cultures and serologies returned positive for Coccidioidomycosis immitis. Coccidioides species cause up to 30% of community-acquired pneumonia and incidental cavitary lesions in endemic regions. Symptoms are nonspecific yet usually involve fatigue, cough, and pleurisy. Most hosts have spontaneous resolution; however, certain demographics such as Hispanics and diabetics, later diagnosed in our patient, have higher morbidity. As seen with our patient, cavitary rupture and bronchopleural fistulas are rare occurring in 2.6% of cavitary lesions. High suspicion based on symptoms and host demographics is important to assist in early diagnosis and treatment to avoid and treat this common pathogen's presentations.
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Evaluation of VT-1161 for Treatment of Coccidioidomycosis in Murine Infection Models. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 59:7249-54. [PMID: 26369964 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00593-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis, or valley fever, is a growing health concern endemic to the southwestern United States. Safer, more effective, and more easily administered drugs are needed especially for severe, chronic, or unresponsive infections. The novel fungal CYP51 inhibitor VT-1161 demonstrated in vitro antifungal activity, with MIC50 and MIC90 values of 1 and 2 μg/ml, respectively, against 52 Coccidioides clinical isolates. In the initial animal study, oral doses of 10 and 50 mg/kg VT-1161 significantly reduced fungal burdens and increased survival time in a lethal respiratory model in comparison with treatment with a placebo (P < 0.001). Oral doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg VT-1161 were similarly efficacious in the murine central nervous system (CNS) model compared to placebo treatment (P < 0.001). All comparisons with the positive-control drug, fluconazole at 50 mg/kg per day, demonstrated either statistical equivalence or superiority of VT-1161. VT-1161 treatment also prevented dissemination of infection from the original inoculation site to a greater extent than fluconazole. Many of these in vivo results can be explained by the long half-life of VT-1161 leading to sustained high plasma levels. Thus, the efficacy and pharmacokinetics of VT-1161 are attractive characteristics for long-term treatment of this serious fungal infection.
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Call for a California Coccidioidomycosis Consortium to Face the Top Ten Challenges Posed by a Recalcitrant Regional Disease. Mycopathologia 2014; 179:1-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s11046-014-9816-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Fungal Infections Associated with Travel. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s12281-013-0151-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Abstract
Endemic mycoses remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised patients. As the number of immunosuppressed individuals increases worldwide, the incidence of endemic mycoses is also expected to rise. In immunocompromised patients, endemic mycoses can present in atypical fashion, cause more severe and/or disseminated disease, and result in higher mortality. Despite several noteworthy advances over the past decade, significant challenges remain with regard to the prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of endemic mycoses in immunocompromised hosts. This review highlights important developments related to the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of commonly encountered endemic mycoses. We also discuss emerging topics, knowledge gaps, and areas of future research.
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Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis consists of a spectrum of disease, ranging from a mild, self-limited, febrile illness to severe, life-threatening infection. It is caused by the soil-dwelling fungi, Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii, which are present in diverse endemic areas. Climate changes and environmental factors affect the Coccidioides lifecycle and influence infection rates. The incidence of coccidioidomycosis has risen substantially over the past two decades. The vast majority of Coccidioides infections occur in the endemic zones, such as California, Arizona, Mexico, and Central America. Infections occurring outside those zones appear to be increasingly common, and pose unique clinical and public health challenges. It has long been known that elderly persons, pregnant women, and members of certain ethnic groups are at risk for severe or disseminated coccidioidomycosis. In recent years, it has become evident that persons with immunodeficiency diseases, diabetics, transplant recipients, and prisoners are also particularly vulnerable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Brown
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
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Increase in reported coccidioidomycosis--United States, 1998-2011. MMWR. MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT 2013; 62:217-21. [PMID: 23535687 PMCID: PMC4605002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis, also known as valley fever, is an infection caused by inhalation of Coccidioides spp. spores. This soil-dwelling fungus is endemic to arid regions of Mexico, Central and South America, and the southwestern United States. Symptomatic patients typically experience a self-limited influenza-like illness, but some develop severe or chronic pulmonary disease, and less than 1% of patients experience disseminated disease. Coccidioidomycosis can be costly and debilitating, with nearly 75% of patients missing work or school because of their illness, and more than 40% requiring hospitalization. Previous publications have reported state-specific increases in coccidioidomycosis in Arizona and California during 1998-2001 and 2000-2007, respectively. To characterize long-term national trends, CDC analyzed data from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) for the period 1998-2011. This report describes the results of that analysis, which indicated that the incidence of reported coccidioidomycosis increased substantially during this period, from 5.3 per 100,000 population in the endemic area (Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah) in 1998 to 42.6 per 100,000 in 2011. Health-care providers should be aware of this increasingly common infection when treating persons with influenza-like illness or pneumonia who live in or have traveled to endemic areas.
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Sebro R, Aparici CM, Hernandez-Pampaloni M. FDG PET/CT evaluation of pathologically proven pulmonary lesions in an area of high endemic granulomatous disease. Ann Nucl Med 2013; 27:400-5. [PMID: 23400394 PMCID: PMC3642363 DOI: 10.1007/s12149-013-0695-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The goal of this study is to assess how reliable the threshold maximum standardized uptake value (maxSUV) of 2.5 on positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET/CT) is for evaluation of solitary pulmonary lesions in an area of endemic granulomatous disease and to consider other imaging findings that may increase the accuracy of PET/CT. Materials and methods The staging PET/CT of 72 subjects with solitary pulmonary lesions (nodules (less than 3 cm) or masses (greater than 3 cm)) were retrospectively reviewed. Pathology proven diagnosis from tissue samples was used as the gold standard. Logistic regression was used to assess whether the subject’s age, maxSUV, size of lesion, presence of emphysema, or evidence of granulomatous disease was predictive of malignancy. Results Malignant lesions were identified in 84.7 % (61/72) of the 72 subjects. A threshold maxSUV of 2.5 had a sensitivity of 95.1 % (58/61), specificity of 45.5 % (5/11), positive predictive value of 90.6 % (58/64), negative predictive value of 62.5 % (5/8) and an accuracy of 87.5 % (63/72). The false negative rate was 4.9 %, and the false positive rate was 54.5 %. All 3 false negatives were less than or equal to 1.0 cm; however, false positives ranged from 1.1 to 5.6 cm. The false negatives had a mean (SD) maxSUV of 2.0 (0.4), whereas the false positives had a mean (SD) maxSUV of 5.6 (3.0). Emphysema was associated with 1.1 higher odds of malignancy, and evidence of granulomatous disease was associated with 0.34 lower odds of benign disease, however, neither was statistically significant (p = 0.92 and p = 0.31, respectively). Higher maxSUV was significantly associated with increased risk of malignancy (p = 8.3 × 10−3). Older age and larger size of lesion were borderline associated with increased risk of malignancy (p = 0.05 and p = 0.07, respectively). Conclusion In an area of high endemic granulomatous disease, the PET/CT threshold maxSUV of 2.5 retains a high sensitivity (95.1 %) and positive predictive value (90.6 %) for differentiating benign from malignant pulmonary lesions; however, the specificity (45.5) and negative predictive value (62.5) decrease due to increased false positives. The presence of emphysema and absence of evidence of granulomatous disease increases the probability that a pulmonary lesion is malignant; however, these were not statistically significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie Sebro
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Avenue, M-391, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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Potter P. Science avant-garde. Emerg Infect Dis 2012; 18:1922-3. [PMID: 23092653 PMCID: PMC3559178 DOI: 10.3201/eid1811.ac1811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Polyxeni Potter
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
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