The clinical laboratory evolution in coccidioidomycosis detection: Future perspectives

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Coccidioidomycosis is a systemic fungal infection caused by Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii.
• It is endemic in arid regions of America, particularly the US-Mexico border, yet frequently underdiagnosed.
• Diagnosis is challenging due to nonspecific symptoms, requiring integrated clinical and laboratory approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review laboratory diagnostic approaches for coccidioidomycosis.
• To discuss the advantages and limitations of existing diagnostic methods.
• To explore future advancements in clinical laboratory diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of diagnostic techniques for coccidioidomycosis.
• Analysis of historical and current laboratory test evolution, from microscopy to PCR.
• Discussion of emerging molecular Point of Care Testing (POCT) for Coccidioides spp.

Main Results:

• Laboratory diagnostic methods have evolved significantly, including Real-Time PCR.
• There is a notable lag in adopting new diagnostic technologies in clinical settings.
• Molecular POCT represents a significant advancement for rapid and accessible Coccidioides spp. detection.

Conclusions:

• Molecular POCT for Coccidioides spp. detection is on the horizon for improved diagnostics.
• Implementing POCT can enhance accessibility and reduce healthcare costs.
• Future diagnostic strategies should focus on rapid, accessible, and cost-effective methods.