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Coccidioidomycosis in New York State
V Chaturvedi1, R Ramani, S Gromadzki
1New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York 12208-2002, USA. vishnu@wadsworth.org
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|February 1, 2000
Summary
Coccidioidomycosis, a fungal infection, is more common in New York than previously thought. Travel to endemic areas is the likely cause, highlighting the need for increased healthcare provider awareness.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases Epidemiology
Background:
- Coccidioidomycosis, caused by Coccidioides immitis, is typically endemic to specific regions.
- Sporadic cases occur outside endemic areas, but prevalence in non-endemic regions like New York is often underestimated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics and prevalence of Coccidioides immitis infections among New York State residents.
- To determine if cases in New York are travel-related and to assess the potential underdiagnosis of this systemic fungal disease.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of hospital discharge records (1992-1997) for coccidioidomycosis diagnoses (ICD9 Codes 114.0-114.9).
- Review of state mycology laboratory data (1989-1997) for confirmed Coccidioides immitis cultures.
- Genotyping of C. immitis isolates to identify geographic origins.
Main Results:
- 161 hospital discharge diagnoses of coccidioidomycosis were identified.
- 49 C. immitis cultures were confirmed; 26 patients reported travel to endemic areas.
- Multilocus genotypes of 14 out of 16 isolates matched those from Arizona, supporting travel-related acquisition.
Conclusions:
- Coccidioidomycosis may be more prevalent in New York residents than previously recognized.
- Travel to endemic regions is a significant factor in acquiring the infection in non-endemic areas.
- Enhanced healthcare provider awareness is crucial for timely diagnosis and improved patient outcomes.