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Summary
Coccidioides immitis fungus is present in San Diego soil, causing coccidioidomycosis. A study found 9.7% of surveyed students had positive skin tests, indicating a modest level of endemicity.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- San Diego is geographically situated within the known distribution of Coccidioides immitis in soil.
- Coccidioidomycosis cases are regularly diagnosed in San Diego hospitals annually.
- The prevalence of Coccidioides immitis necessitates understanding its local impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of Coccidioides immitis infection among adolescents in San Diego.
- To determine the level of endemicity of coccidioidomycosis in the region.
Main Methods:
- A skin test survey was conducted on 1,027 ninth-grade students across five San Diego schools.
- Coccidioidin 1:100 was administered intradermally using the Mantoux technique.
- Induration was measured at 48 hours post-administration.
Main Results:
- 9.7% of all students tested showed an induration greater than 5 mm.
- Among 378 lifelong residents of San Diego County, 7% exhibited induration exceeding 5 mm.
- These results suggest a measurable but not high prevalence of infection.
Conclusions:
- Coccidioidomycosis is endemic in San Diego.
- The endemic level of coccidioidomycosis in San Diego appears to be modest based on this adolescent population study.
- Further surveillance may be warranted to monitor Coccidioides immitis exposure levels.