Coccidioidomycosis in a reference center in Northeast Brazil: clinical/epidemiological profile and most common radiological findings

ABSTRACT

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Coccidioidomycosis, a disease caused by Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii, is endemic in arid climatic regions in Northeast Brazil. Its prevalence is higher among young adult males living in rural areas. Existing literature about this disease in Ceará, a Northeast Brazilian state, are scarce. Here, we aimed to outline the clinical and epidemiological profiles, radiological patterns, and therapeutic responses of patients with coccidioidomycosis in a reference center in Ceará, Brazil. METHODS This is a descriptive study with quantitative analysis. Patients who underwent medical follow-up in São José Hospital of Infectious Diseases and received confirmed mycological diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis between January, 2007 and December 2017 were included. Epidemiological, clinical, radiological, and therapeutic response data were collected from medical charts. RESULTS Thirty patients were included. The patients were males with median age of 30 years, and 73% were considered to have high-risk exposure to Coccidioides owing to professional activities. Cough (96.7%), dyspnea (63.3%), fever (86.7%), and pleuritic pain (60%) were the most prevalent clinical manifestations. Interstitial pattern (91.3%) was the most frequent pulmonary radiological finding. Fluconazole, amphotericin B, and itraconazole were administered for treatment (in 82.1%, 42.8%, and 21.4% of cases, respectively). A favorable outcome was observed in 83.8% of patients. CONCLUSIONS Coccidioidomycosis was more prevalent in the central and southern regions of the State of Ceará. Understanding the local epidemiology and clinical manifestations of the disease, in addition to the pulmonary radiologic findings, may aid the early detection of coccidioidomycosis and facilitate early diagnosis.