Asymptomatic Coccidioidal Meningitis Relapse: A Demon in Disguise

Coccidioides spp is a soil-dwelling, dimorphic fungus that causes coccidioidomycosis. It is endemic to the western hemisphere. Although primarily a respiratory disease, it can also cause a myriad of clinical manifestations, from asymptomatic disease to meningitis. In fact, Coccidioides species is pr...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Lovedip Kooner MBBS, Arash Heidari MD,FACP, FIDSA, Royce Johnson MD, FACP, FIDSA
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SAGE Publishing 2023-05-01
Series:Journal of Investigative Medicine High Impact Case Reports
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1177/23247096231175439
Description
Summary:Coccidioides spp is a soil-dwelling, dimorphic fungus that causes coccidioidomycosis. It is endemic to the western hemisphere. Although primarily a respiratory disease, it can also cause a myriad of clinical manifestations, from asymptomatic disease to meningitis. In fact, Coccidioides species is probably the most common etiologic agent of long-term meningitis in California and Arizona. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to avoid fatal complications. With treatment, the cerebral spinal fluid analysis may return to normal. Relapse of coccidioidal meningitis is usually suspected with recurrence of meningitis symptoms. The patient is a 53-year-old man with a 2-decade history of coccidioidal meningitis who was diagnosed with an asymptomatic relapse of coccidioidal meningitis.
ISSN:2324-7096