Prevalence of coccidioidomycosis in cystic fibrosis patients residing in Southern Arizona.

ABSTRACT

Sparse data exists about patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and their risk of contracting coccidioidiomycosis or Valley Fever, which is highly endemic in southern Arizona. A retrospective review of medical records of 79 adult CF patients residing in Arizona was performed. Two cases only of coccidioidomycosis were documented between in the 790 patient years. However, false-positive serologies were found in 15 patients. This 10-year retrospective review of 79 adult CF patients found that there was a lower prevalence of coccidioidomycosis in CF patients compared to that of the general population of the area. LAY SUMMARY: Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) suffer from chronic lung infection. Little is known about CF and fungal infection. Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection common in Arizona and this study shows a lower infection rate from Coccidioidomycosis in CF patients compared to the general population.