Coccidioidomycosis/Coccidioides

Coccidioidomycosis, an illness caused by the Coccidioides immitis fungus, comes from inhalation of the soil-borne fungus. The respiratory system is most affected, with the fungus spores beginning in the lungs as round spherules, living in a parasitic stage there until they grow large enough to rupture, releasing hundreds of endospores. They then begin a parasitic stage in the tissues, growing and rupturing, and then disseminating into the wider body perpetually. Endospores can also take a faster route through the body by way of the lymphatic and blood vessel systems, resulting in systemic infection – meaning the entire body will be affected. Full infection sets in around 7 – 20 days after exposure, though some animals can develop an immunity and never show any symptoms, especially younger animals. Animals that are susceptible to the infection can become ill from only a small amount of the coccidioides fungus; fewer than ten fungus spores are needed to cause the disorder.

• Symptoms and Types
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Living and Management

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