Valley Fever is caused by which organism?

Valley Fever is caused by which organism?

• A. Coccidioides spp.
• B. Histoplasma capsulatum
• C. Blastomyces dermatitidis
• D. Pneumocystis jirovecii

Answer: (A)

Valley Fever, or coccidioidomycosis, is caused by a dimorphic fungus in the Coccidioides genus. In soil, it exists as mold producing arthroconidia, which when inhaled convert to tissue form and trigger pulmonary infection that can range from mild to severe and may disseminate. The disease is classically endemic to the southwestern United States and nearby regions, which is a helpful clue in recognizing it. This distinguishes it from histoplasmosis caused by Histoplasma capsulatum (associated with bird/bat droppings and the Ohio/Mississippi River valleys), blastomycosis caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis (often with skin involvement), and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii (primarily in immunocompromised patients).

Valley Fever, or coccidioidomycosis, is caused by a dimorphic fungus in the Coccidioides genus. In soil, it exists as mold producing arthroconidia, which when inhaled convert to tissue form and trigger pulmonary infection that can range from mild to severe and may disseminate. The disease is classically endemic to the southwestern United States and nearby regions, which is a helpful clue in recognizing it. This distinguishes it from histoplasmosis caused by Histoplasma capsulatum (associated with bird/bat droppings and the Ohio/Mississippi River valleys), blastomycosis caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis (often with skin involvement), and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii (primarily in immunocompromised patients).