Tuberc Respir Dis.  2001 Nov;51(5):448-452. 10.4046/trd.2001.51.5.448.

Pulmonary coccidioidomycosis Diagnosed in an Immigrant

• Shin JS
• Lee IS
• Shin C
• Kim A

• KMID: 2160033
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2001.51.5.448

Abstract

Coccidioidomycosis is a common infectious disease in southwestern North America, which is caused by the soil fungus, Coccidioides immitis. Due to the mobility of the modern population, increasing numbers of cases are being diagnosed outside the endemic areas. Moreover, diagnosis in non-endenmic areas may be delayed or confused due to its rarity. Here we report a case of pulmonary coccidioidomycisis in an immigrant. The patient presented with unexplained pulmonary symptoms. A history of recent travel to or immigration from an endemic area may suggest coccidioidomycosis. In addition an early tissue biopsy is helpful in establishing this diagnosis.

Keyword

Bacterial infections and Mycoses; Mycoses; Coccidioidomycosis

MeSH Terms

Bacterial Infections and Mycoses
Biopsy
Coccidioides
Coccidioidomycosis*
Communicable Diseases
Diagnosis
Emigrants and Immigrants*
Emigration and Immigration
Fungi
Humans
Mycoses
North America
Soil
Soil