Late Residuals of Primary Coccidioidomycosis

摘要

The technical bulletin discusses the pulmonary residuals of the fungus Coccidioides immitis. After a brief description of the symptoms and diagnosis of primary and secondary coccidioidomycosis, which is contracted in the dusty atmosphere of the endemic areas of the south-southwestern United States. The infection can be distinguished from tuberculosis when negative laboratory tests for tubercle bacilli are followed by positive coccidioidin skin tests, followed by serological studies and identification of the fungus. Infection by both diseases is possible. Nodular residuals are difficult to differentiate between coccidiodial infection, tuberculosis and early peripheral, bronchogenic carcinoma. The coccidioidal nodule rarely requires treatment since it produces no symptoms and no disability. Most coccidioidal cavities close spontaneously. Surgery is the recommended treatment for disabling lesions, although the relative merits of various surgical procedures had not been established. A bibliography of 27 articles is included.