Pathogenesis of Coccidioidomycosis

Coccidioidomycosis is a systemic fungal infection endemic to the American Southwest, caused by Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii. The infection has a wide variety of clinical manifestations in humans, from asymptomatic infection to severe disease. Infection occurs through inhalation of fungal spores, leading to primary pulmonary infection and occasionally to hematogenous dissemination to other sites. Both fungal and host factors contribute to pathogenesis of this infection. Cellular and innate immune responses are involved in the protective response in both humans and mice. This review summarizes recent research on microbial and host factors involved in the pathogenesis of coccidioidomycosis.