Valley fever

Definition

Valley fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides species. It primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Valley fever is endemic to certain regions like the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico, Central America, and South America.
2. The disease is contracted by inhaling spores of the fungus from disturbed soil or dust.
3. Symptoms include fatigue, cough, fever, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, chronic pneumonia or disseminated infection.
4. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through blood tests detecting antibodies or cultures identifying the fungus.
5. Treatment may involve antifungal drugs such as fluconazole or itraconazole.

Related terms

Coccidioides: A genus of dimorphic fungi that cause coccidioidomycosis.

Antifungal Drugs: Medications used to treat fungal infections by inhibiting fungal growth or killing fungi.

Dimorphic Fungi: Fungi that can exist in two different forms: as molds in the environment and yeasts in host tissue.