Coccidioidomycosis can be very serious for immunocompromised patients. The disease may lead to the formation of granulomatous lesions on the face and nose. In severe cases, other major organs can become infected, leading to serious complications such as fatal meningitis.

Signs and Symptoms of Coccidioidomycosis

Coccidioidomycosis can be diagnosed by culturing clinical samples. *C. immitis* grows on laboratory fungal media, such as Sabouraud's dextrose agar, at 35 °C (95 °F). Culturing the fungus, however, is rather dangerous. *C. immitis* is one of the most infectious fungal pathogens known and is capable of causing laboratory-acquired infections. Serological tests for antibody production are more often used for diagnosis for this reason

Diagnosis of Coccidioidomycosis

Although mild cases generally do not require intervention, disseminated infections can be treated with intravenous antifungal drugs like amphotericin B.

Treatment of Coccidioidomycosis

Once in the body, the fungus differentiates into spherules that are filled with endospores. The endospores may be transported in the blood, disseminating the infection and leading to the formation of granulomatous lesions on the face and nose.

Pathogenicity of *Coccidioides immitis*

Coccidioidomycosis is acquired by inhaling fungal spores. Because the microbe is endemic to the San Joaquin Valley of California, the disease is sometimes referred to as "Valley fever." Coccidioidomycosis is caused by *Coccidioides immitis.*

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Exposure to various fungi can lead to infections of the respiratory system. Some of the diseases caused by fungi include:
 - Histoplasmosis
 - Coccidioidomycosis
 - Blastomycosis
 - Mucormycosis
 - Aspergillosis
 - Pneumocystis Pneumonia
 - Cryptococcosis

The Different Fungal Infections of the Respiratory System 

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Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

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Histoplasmosis most commonly occurs in the Mississippi Valley of the United States, and is commonly referred to as the "Mississippi Valley Fever." It is acquired by inhaling microconidial spores in the air. It not transmitted from human to human. The causative agent is *Histoplasma capsulatum.*

Histoplasmosis

Coccidioidomycosis

Blastomycosis is a respiratory infection caused by the dimorphic fungus *Blastomyces dermatitidis*. If left untreated, the infection can disseminate to other body locations and potentially cause death.

Blastomycosis

Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection caused by a variety of fungi. including include bread molds, like *Rhizopus* and *Mucor*; the most commonly associated species is *Rhizopus arrhizus* 

Mucormycosis

aspergillosis is caused by the inhalation of *Aspergillus* spores

Aspergillosis

Cryptococcosis is a respiratory infection caused by *Cryptococcus neoformans*

Cryptococcosis

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a type of pneumonia and is caused by *Pneumocystis jirovecii.*

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