Coccidioidomycosis is the infection which is caused by the dimorphic fungus name as Coccidioides immitis. Most people who catch by it do not get sick at all. They don't even know they have the disease. Of those who do get sick, most have flu-like symptoms this is what happened to the airmen. Only a very small percentage of cocci patients develops the disease in its serious, or disseminated, form.

This disease is endemic only in regions of the Western Hemisphere. It is also found in certain parts of Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah and northwestern Mexico. The disease starts out as a respiratory illness and may progress to a persistent infection. Disseminated coccidioidomycosis is the most severe form of the disease and is often fatal.

Causes

This infection is caused by inhalation of the spores of the fungus, Coccidioides immitis, which is often found in desert regions. People with a compromised immune system tend to have more serious infections.

Dark-skinned people and people with a weak immune system are more chanches to infection and more likely to form chronic or disseminated (spreading to other organs) forms of the disease.

Chronic pulmonary coccidioidomycosis can develop 20 or more years after initial infection which may not have been recognized, diagnosed, or treated at the time. Infections (lung abscesses) can form and rupture releasing pus (empyema) between the lungs and ribs (pleural space). This disorder is even less common than the acute form, however.

Symptoms

The major symptoms of Coccidioidomycosis are-

Cough

Chest pain

Rash, may be painful, red, on lower legs (erythema nodosum)

Blood-tinged sputum

fever

chills

headache

muscle stiffness

muscle aches

neck stiffness or shoulder stiffness

change in mental status

sensitivity to light

joint swelling

joint pain

skin reaction (erythema nodosum)

arthritis

ankle, feet, and leg swelling

Treatment

Patients suffering from the flu-like symptoms of cocci in its primary form will probably be sent to bed by the doctor. Symptoms, such as cough and fever, will be treated.

Antifungal medications are prescribed to treat the infection. The intravenous antibiotic, amphotericin B, is used for severe forms of disease. Itraconazole and fluconazole are oral antibiotic options with activity against this fungus.

After an episode is treated, maintenance therapy (secondary prophylaxis) may be provided with fluconazole or ketoconazole.

Vitamins C, E, A-plus, and B complex may also be useful. Antifungal herbs, like garlic (Allium sativum) which can be consumed in relatively large does and for an extended period of time in order to increase effectiveness.