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Coccidioides immitis as a potential bioweapon

Stan Deresinski1

  • 1Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, CA 95128, USA. polishmd@earthlink.net

Seminars in Respiratory Infections
|September 25, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Coccidioides immitis is a soil fungus causing Valley fever upon inhalation. While it could theoretically be used in bioterrorism, its effectiveness is uncertain due to significant obstacles.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Biosecurity

Background:

  • Coccidioides immitis is a fungus found in southwestern US and Central/South American soils.
  • Infection occurs through inhaling airborne arthroconidia.
  • The fungus has potential implications for bioterrorism due to aerosol transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the potential of Coccidioides immitis as a bioweapon.
  • To evaluate the feasibility and likely impact of aerosolized C. immitis deployment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on C. immitis epidemiology and transmission.
  • Analysis of factors influencing aerosolized fungal agent efficacy.
  • Assessment of potential biological and logistical challenges.

Main Results:

  • Coccidioides immitis is endemic to specific arid regions.
  • Natural infection is via inhalation of arthroconidia.
  • Aerosolized C. immitis presents theoretical bioterrorism potential but faces significant obstacles.

Conclusions:

  • The use of Coccidioides immitis as a bioweapon is possible but likely limited.
  • Obstacles in delivery and effect make its impact uncertain.
  • Further research into fungal bioweapon potential is warranted.

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