Epidemiology of coccidioidomycosis among children in California, 2000-2016
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Published on: January 29, 2014
Gail L Sondermeyer Cooksey1, Seema Jain1, Duc J Vugia1
1Infectious Diseases Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California.
Insights
Coccidioidomycosis incidence rose significantly in California children and adults from 2000-2016. Pediatric cases increased, particularly in adolescents, with higher rates in males after puberty.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Coccidioidomycosis, a fungal infection, poses a significant public health concern in endemic regions.
- Understanding incidence trends is crucial for public health interventions and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze population-based incidence trends of coccidioidomycosis in California from 2000 to 2016.
- To compare incidence rates between pediatric and adult populations.
- To investigate demographic factors influencing coccidioidomycosis incidence.
Main Methods:
- Utilized California statewide surveillance data from 2000-2016.
- Calculated annual incidence rates per 100,000 population for children (≤17 years) and adults (≥18 years).
- Analyzed incidence by age group, sex, and county of residence.
Main Results:
- Overall coccidioidomycosis incidence increased in both children and adults during the study period.
- Annual pediatric incidence rose from 0.8 to 5.2 per 100,000, while adult incidence increased from 3.2 to 16.2 per 100,000.
- Adolescents (12-17 years) and residents of endemic counties showed higher pediatric incidence. Male incidence surpassed female incidence during adolescence and continued into older age.
Conclusions:
- Coccidioidomycosis incidence has markedly increased in California, affecting both pediatric and adult populations.
- Specific demographic groups, including adolescents and males, are disproportionately affected.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the reasons behind the sex-based disparities in incidence, particularly post-adolescence.
Abstract:
We calculated population-based incidence of coccidioidomycosis from the 2000-2016 California surveillance data and compared children (≤17 years) with adults (≥18 years). During that time, the annual pediatric incidence per 100,000 increased from 0.8 in 2000 to 5.2 in 2016, while the adult annual rate increased from 3.2 in 2000 to 16.2 in 2016. Pediatric incidence was higher among children in the 12-17-year age group and among residents of endemic counties. Rates by sex were similar from infancy until adolescence when rates in males became substantially higher than females and remained so into older age; reasons for this are unclear.
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