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As
seen on "Medical Investigation"
January 7, 2005 | Archive
Acute Pulmonary Coccidioidomycosis
Coccidiodomycosis is a disease caused by the spores of the fungus, Coccidioides
immitis. Also known as Valley Fever, infection is caused by inhalation
of the fungus spores which are often found in desert regions.
The disease can have an acute or chronic form; acute pulmonary coccidiodomycosis
is rare, generally mild, and resolves without treatment. Chronic pulmonary
coccidiomycosis can develop 20 years or more after initial infection,
but infections such as lung abscesses can form and release pus between
the lungs and ribs.
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections have recently emerged as a growing threat to human health,
especially in persons whose immune systems are compromised in some way.
People who may be at risk include AIDS patients, and bone marrow or organ
transplant patients.
The NIH funds research on fungal infections through its National Institute
of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
NIH Research and You
The NIH funds clinical studies that provide experimental treatment for
fungal
infections like coccidiodomycosis.
To join a clinical trial, ask your doctor to help you choose the study
that's right for you, or call the NIH at 1-800-411-1222 for more information.
Stay Tuned
Watch this page for information about smallpox
and other health topics featured in the next episode.
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CDC
: Our Vital Partner |
| The
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention is the primary Federal agency that dispatches field
investigators to resolve public health emergencies. CDC is NIH's sister
agency under the Department of Health
and Human Services. |
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Meet
a real NIH medical investigator
Veterinarian
Tanya B. |
| "Veterinary
medicine is an incredibly diverse and exciting field. We work with
numerous species and encounter a wide variety of health problems.
I particularly enjoy working in a research setting, and having the
chance to contribute to science. Through research discoveries, we
can help to improve medical diagnostics and therapies both for pets
and people." |
> More
research careers
> Jobs
at NIH |
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