Laboratory Diagnostics of Coccidioidomycosis

Abstract

Coccidioidomycosis is a systemic disease induced by dimorphic fungi Coccidioides and C. posadasii. Its causative agents - primary pathogens - are endemic for American states. However introduced cases of the disease can be traced in some other world regions too. This paper contains summarized foreign literature data on the issue. Presented are the results of our own investigations on the problem of Coccidioidomycosis diagnostics. Discussed are also problems and prospective of the development of a diagnostic preparations designed to detect and identify Coccidioides spp.

Keywords

• coccidioidomycosis
• <i>coccidioides immitis</i>
• <i>coccidioides posadasii</i>
• arthrospores
• spherules