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Coccidioidomycosis: first imported case in Italy
Federico Gobbi1, Andrea Angheben, Claudio Farina
1Centre for Tropical Diseases, Hospital Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria, Negrar, Verone, Italy. federico.gobbi@sacrocuore.it
Journal of Travel Medicine
|April 26, 2012
Summary
Pulmonary coccidioidomycosis, a fungal infection from the United States, was diagnosed in Italy. Consider this diagnosis in febrile patients with lung symptoms returning from endemic regions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Coccidioidomycosis is a systemic fungal infection caused by Coccidioides species.
- Endemic areas are primarily in the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico and Central/South America.
- Imported cases highlight the importance of considering endemic diseases in non-endemic regions.
Observation:
- A case of pulmonary coccidioidomycosis was identified in Italy.
- The patient had a history of travel to the United States, an endemic area.
- Clinical presentation included pulmonary symptoms and hypereosinophilia.
Findings:
- The diagnosis of pulmonary coccidioidomycosis was confirmed in the imported case.
- This case underscores the potential for geographic spread of Coccidioides immitis.
- Hypereosinophilia can be a presenting sign of coccidioidomycosis.
Implications:
- Pulmonary coccidioidomycosis should be included in the differential diagnosis for febrile patients with respiratory symptoms returning from endemic areas.
- Increased global travel necessitates awareness of imported infectious diseases.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing coccidioidomycosis.
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