COCCIDIOIDES
About: Fungus
Microscope: Dimorphic pathogen with endospores
What can it do: Coccidioides begins as an airborn pathogen which is inhaled into the respiratory system of humans as Conidia, a barrel shaped spore. When the pathogen enters the body, endospores can develop and they break off into the bloodstream and can be transported to other parts of the body such as the brain, and the nervous system. Although Coccidioides can appear to cause a mild reaction in the form of flu like symptoms and upper respiratory tract infections, in an immune suppressed patient of anyone with a weakened immunity, it can be much more dangerous.
Help: Coccdioides immitis is usually overcome by the bodies own immune system in a similar way to any cold or mild flu. If a person's immune system is compromised, then treatment must be given and includes fungicides and potentially hospitalisation. Patients with severe immune problems such as AIDS must continue treatment for the rest of their lives in order not to have a relapse
Infectious rating: This fungus can survive under the surface of soil up to 20cm below ground level and has to be inhaled by the person who comes into contact with the fungus, perhaps by digging in soiled areas or by other outdoor activities. It cannot be transmitted from one person to another.
I feel sick: Initially affects the respiratory system but in severe cases, can travel around the body causing problems for the nervous system, skin and brain in the form of meningitis. Some symptoms include fever, dry cough, joint and muscle pains, headache and weight loss.
Skin symptoms: If a patient has a severe allergic reaction, the skin can erupt in red sores known as "desert bumps,".
Lung symptoms: Dry cough, chest pains, shortness of breath and chest discomfort.
GEOGRAPHY AND STATISTICS: Most prevalent in Southwestern USA and California, as well as into Mexico and Central and South America. The spores can travel for example during a dust strorm and this is when cases are found in other parallel areas.