Symptoms and routine laboratory abnormalities associated with coccidioidomycosis

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Mycology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Coccidioidomycosis, caused by Coccidioides immitis, is a significant fungal infection in endemic regions.
• Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management and preventing complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify early clinical and laboratory findings associated with primary coccidioidomycosis in college students.
• To determine independent predictors for diagnosing Coccidioides immitis infection.

Main Methods:

• A 40-question survey was administered to 556 college students presenting with possible Coccidioides immitis infection.
• Logistic regression and relative risk analyses were used to assess associations between findings and diagnosis.
• Routine laboratory results and diagnostic tests, including coccidioidal antibody determination, were compiled.

Main Results:

• Coccidioidomycosis was diagnosed in 13% (36/269) of students who underwent testing.
• Independent factors associated with infection included elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, male gender, erythema nodosum, recent arrival to an endemic area, acute symptoms, and decreased lymphocyte counts.
• Having four or more of these factors increased the likelihood of diagnosis to 60%.

Conclusions:

• Several clinical and laboratory findings can serve as independent predictors for primary coccidioidomycosis.
• The identified factors can aid in the early recognition and diagnosis of Coccidioides immitis infection, particularly in student populations.
• Implementing these indicators may improve timely patient management and outcomes.