Coccidioidomycosis

Coccidioidomycosis is an endemic fungal infection whose incidence and impact have been increasing in the southwestern United States. Advances in understanding its epidemiology and mycology are continuing. New diagnostic tests have been developed and experience with newer therapeutic agents continues to accumulate, but numerous clinical questions remain. Timely recognition and diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis are still problematic. With the rise in incidence, changing demographics, an aging population, and the increase in immunocompromised patients, coccidioidomycosis continues to be a fungal infection worthy of further study. This review summarizes the pathogenesis of coccidioidomycosis; the epidemiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches for coccidioidal infections; and the management challenges of select at-risk populations.