Coccidioidomycosis as a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia

Lisa Valdivia, David Nix, Mark Wright, Elizabeth Lindberg, Timothy Fagan, Donald Lieberman, T'Prien Stoffer, Neil M. Ampel, John N. Galgiani

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

204 Scopus citations

Abstract

The early manifestations of coccidioidomycosis (valley fever) are similar to those of other causes of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Without specific etiologic testing, the true frequency of valley fever may be underestimated by public health statistics. Therefore, we conducted a prospective observational study of adults with recent onset of a lower respiratory tract syndrome. Valley fever was serologically confirmed in 16 (29%) of 55 persons (95% confidence interval 16%-44%). Antimicrobial medications were used in 81% of persons with valley fever. Symptomatic differences at the time of enrollment had insufficient predictive value for valley fever to guide clinicians without specific laboratory tests. Thus, valley fever is a common cause of CAP after exposure in a disease-endemic region. If CAP develops in persons who travel or reside in Coccidioides-endemic regions, diagnostic evaluation should routinely include laboratory evaluation for this organism.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)958-962
Number of pages5
JournalEmerging infectious diseases
Volume12
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Epidemiology
  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

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