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Coccidioidomycosis

An atlas of endemic soil-spore exposure, pulmonary and disseminated disease, serologic limits, and severity-based antifungal care.

coccidioidomycosis · Valley fever

MONDO:0005706Public QA completeSource-bound · 4

Disease at a glance

Start with the essentials, then explore the patient and research views.

Public revision · 3c65efab85cb

Disease class
Coccidioidomycosis results from inhaling airborne spores of Coccidioides fungi.
Core mechanism
The fungi occur in soil in arid parts of the Americas, and soil disturbance can increase exposure.
Genes or cause
It does not usually spread from person to person.
Typical features
Symptomatic infection can cause fatigue, cough, dyspnea, headache, night sweats, myalgia, and rash.
Variability
Some people develop chronic pulmonary or disseminated disease involving bone, joints, skin, or meninges.
Diagnosis
Testing is considered when residence or travel in an endemic area accompanies community-acquired pneumonia.
Management
Diagnosis commonly uses IgM and IgG serology, supplemented by culture, microscopy, antigen, or PCR when appropriate.
Treatment and research
Early negative serology does not fully exclude infection, and repeat testing may be needed when suspicion persists.
Reading evidence
Some uncomplicated primary pulmonary infections recover without antifungal therapy.
Key caution
Antifungal therapy is considered for severe illness, immunosuppression, pregnancy, or selected risk factors.

For patients and families

A structured guide for understanding the disease and preparing for clinical conversations.

At a glance

Coccidioidomycosis results from inhaling airborne spores of Coccidioides fungi.

Symptomatic infection can cause fatigue, cough, dyspnea, headache, night sweats, myalgia, and rash.

How the disease works

The fungi occur in soil in arid parts of the Americas, and soil disturbance can increase exposure.

It does not usually spread from person to person.

Why experiences vary

Some people develop chronic pulmonary or disseminated disease involving bone, joints, skin, or meninges.

Diagnosis and management

Testing is considered when residence or travel in an endemic area accompanies community-acquired pneumonia.

Treatment status

Diagnosis commonly uses IgM and IgG serology, supplemented by culture, microscopy, antigen, or PCR when appropriate.

Early negative serology does not fully exclude infection, and repeat testing may be needed when suspicion persists.

Reading clinical trials

Chronic or disseminated disease requires longitudinal follow-up of symptoms, imaging, serologic measures, and organ involvement.

Topics for a clinical visit

Clinical discussion should cover endemic exposure, immune and pregnancy status, test timing, dissemination assessment, and treatment indication.

Medical notice

This material is for disease education and is not a personal diagnosis or treatment instruction.

Evidence and sources

A trial registry status does not establish efficacy or regulatory approval.