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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
03:22
Microbiological Rapid On-Site Evaluation for Pulmonary Infectious Diseases
Published on: March 1, 2024
Coccidioidal pneumonia, Phoenix, Arizona, USA, 2000-2004
Michelle M Kim1, Janis E Blair, Elizabeth J Carey
1Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona 85259, USA.
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|February 26, 2009
Summary
Coccidioidomycosis is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in endemic areas. Diagnosis requires specific laboratory testing, as clinical features are not reliable predictors of this fungal infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) poses a significant health risk.
- Coccidioidomycosis, caused by Coccidioides species, is an endemic cause of CAP in certain regions.
- The precise frequency of coccidioidomycosis as a cause of CAP remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of coccidioidomycosis among patients diagnosed with CAP.
- To investigate potential clinical or demographic predictors of coccidioidomycosis in CAP patients.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of 59 patients with CAP in the Phoenix, Arizona area.
- Paired serologic testing for coccidioidomycosis was performed on 35 patients.
- Analysis of demographic features, medical history, exposure, and initial diagnostic findings.
Main Results:
- Six out of 35 patients (17%) with CAP showed evidence of acute coccidioidomycosis.
- Rash was more common in patients with coccidioidal pneumonia compared to non-coccidioidal CAP.
- No reliable risk factors or predictors (demographics, comorbidities, exposures, initial labs, or radiography) were identified.
Conclusions:
- Coccidioidomycosis is a frequent cause of CAP in the studied endemic population.
- Distinguishing coccidioidal pneumonia from other CAP etiologies relies heavily on appropriate laboratory diagnostics.
- Clinical presentation alone is insufficient for diagnosing coccidioidal pneumonia.
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