Overlapping Infections of Coccidioidosis and COVID-19, United States, 2020
We examine the interaction between respiratory infections caused by inhalation of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and coccidioidosis the fungal spores in dust that coccidioides. It will examine the risk of overlapping infections between construction and agricultural workers, incarcerated populations, blacks and Latinos, and those living in dusty areas. It also identifies common risk factors for multiple infections, including older age, diabetes, immunosuppression, racial or ethnic minority status, and smoking. Because these diseases cause similar symptoms, a COVID-19 pandemic could exacerbate delays in diagnosis of coccidioidosis and prevent prompt administration of antifungal therapy. Finally, investigate the clinical significance of concurrent infections, such as severe COVID-19 or reactivation of latent coccidioidosis. Physicians should consider coccidioidosis as a possible diagnosis when treating a patient with respiratory symptoms.
Heaney AK, Head JR, Broen K, Click K, Taylor J, Balmes JR, et al. Overlap of coccidioidosis and COVID-19 infection, United States, 2020. EmergInfectDis. 2021; 27(5): 1266-1273. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2705.204661
Commentary
I have written extensively on this blog about the clinical symptoms of COVID-19, so I will explain the less familiar name of the condition, coccidioidosis.
These symptoms are lung damage caused by inhalation of Coccidioides, a dimorphic fungus that lives in the soil. These clinical symptoms are also similar to the initial symptoms of COVID-19. The most common environments for inhaling them are dusty environments and through soil-destroying activities such as excavation and construction, where they can spread through the air and be inhaled.
There are areas where the incidence of this condition is increasing and it is found in "hot and dry" environments such as the southwestern United States. It was noted in the paper that coccidioidosis requires attention because the clinical symptoms are similar to those of other diseases, and overlooking the disease can lead to delays in identifying symptoms and more serious illness.
In addition, both coccidioidosis and COVID-19 have been identified as risk factors for severe disease.
・Old age
・Diabetes mellitus
・Immunosuppression
・Race
・Smoking
It is explained as follows.
It is important to understand these things because coccidioidosis precedes COVID-19 and may develop into severe disease, etc.
