Coccidioidomycosis and the skin: a comprehensive review^*

Abstract

Coccidioidomycosis is a highly prevalent disease in the Western hemisphere. It is considered one of the most virulent primary fungal infections. Coccidioides species live in arid and semi-arid regions, causing mainly pulmonary infection through inhalation of arthroconidia although many other organs can be affected. Primary inoculation is rare. Since the first case of coccidioidomycosis was reported in 1892, the skin has been identified as an important target of this disease. Knowledge of cutaneous clinical forms of this infection is important and very useful for establishing prompt diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this article is to provide a review of this infection, emphasizing its cutaneous manifestations, diagnostic methods and current treatment.

Keywords:
Coccidioides; Coccidioidomycosis; Mycoses

INTRODUCTION

Coccidioidomycosis, also known as "San Joaquin Valley Fever" or "Desert Rheumatism", is the oldest of the major systemic mycoses, considered to be one of the most infectious fungal diseases.^1,2Two different species have been recognized as causative agents: Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii. The former appears to be limited to Southern California and Northern Mexico, while the latter occurs in all other endemic areas.¹It is almost exclusively prevalent in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in semiarid to arid life zones of Southwestern United States, north of Mexico, and some places in Central and South America.³This fungal infection can cause a broad clinical spectrum: it can be asymptomatic, or it can range from a mild febrile illness to severe pulmonary manifestations or disseminated disease.⁴In symptomatic patients, the most common manifestation is pulmonary disease, but many other organs can be affected. Cutaneous involvement of coccidioidomycosis entails a great significance because of its wide heterogeneity of clinical manifestations that can confuse the clinician.

HISTORICAL VIGNETTE

Coccidioidomycosis was first described in 1892 by Alejandro Posadas (a medical student from Argentina), when he evaluated Domingo Ezcurra, a soldier who presented with a verrucous papule on the right cheek. A diagnosis of mycosis fungoides with psorospermia was considered. After having observed spherical organisms with a double-refractile outer wall, that appeared similar to the protozoan Coccidia, Posadas and his mentor, Robert Wernicke, believed that these organisms had a parasitic origin. Ezcurra died in 1898 despite many topical treatments. His head is now conserved in a museum in Buenos Aires.^5,6

Some years later, Rixford and Gilchrist, both pathologists, analyzed the biopsies of two similar cases in California, involving emigrants from the Azores, a group of islands belonging to Portugal, finding the same structures previously described by Posadas.^5-7In 1896, the organism was given the names Coccidioides ("resembling Coccidia") and immitis (meaning "not mild", since it was perceived as a lethal disease).⁴In 1900, Ophüls and Moffitt defined the fungal etiology of this microorganism and established its dimorphism. In 1914, Cooks used the coccidioidin test for the first time and described the precipitin reaction.⁸

In 1929, the fatal outcome in patients with this disease was questioned after the report of Harold Chope's infection. This medical student, while working at Stanford University, accidentally inhaled C. immitis spores and developed severe pneumonia, but, surprisingly, he survived and recovered completely.^4,9

In Mexico, the first case was presented in 1932 by Cicero and Perrin; and later, in 1945, González-Ochoa described the Northern states of the country as endemic zones, by epidemiological testing with coccidioidin cutaneous reactions.⁸

When the first cases were reported, coccidioidomycosis was considered a disfiguring, fatal illness, but nowadays it is known that most cases follow a benign course, and only around 5% of cases become symptomatic and chronic.⁵

ETIOLOGY

Coccidioidomycosis is caused by the dimorphic, soil-borne ascomycete fungi. It has two known genetic species: C. immitis and C. posadasii. The former seems to be restricted to California, Arizona, and Baja California (Mexico), while the latter is found in the remaining endemic regions. Both species differ genetically, but they are clinically and microbiologically indistinguishable.¹⁰

GEOGRAPHY AND ECOLOGY

Coccidioidomycosis is endemic in the Western hemisphere, particularly between the 40º latitudes north and south. There are two predominant regions, located in the Southwestern United States and the north of Mexico (Baja California, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León and Tamaulipas, all of them corresponding to the Sonoran Desert zone).^10,11Other areas have been described in central states of Mexico, as well as in Central and South America.¹¹

Coccidioides spp. are found in alkaline, sandy soils from semi-desert regions with hot summers, gentle winters, and annual rainfall between 10 and 50 cm. These fungi are usually found 10 to 30 cm beneath the surface.^4,12

Different types of cactus and bushes like Larrea tridentata ("creosote bush") have been identified as common vegetation in the type of soil where this fungus lives.⁵

EPIDEMIOLOGY

It is estimated that 150,000 new infections occur annually in areas of the Southwestern United States. Coccidioidomycosis is not a nationally reportable disease (it is only reported in the states of California and Arizona), therefore, the exact national incidence is unknown.¹

The incidence of Coccidioides spp. infection has increased in recent years. In a recent summary by the California Department of Health, it rose from 4.3 to 11.6 per 100,000 population from 2001 to 2010.^3,13In Arizona, it rose from 12 to 58.2 per 100,000 population over the same time period.^3,14Overall, it is estimated that 70% of all Coccidioidomycosis cases in USA occur in Arizona, and 25% in California.¹⁵

In Latin America there are no reliable statistics. In Mexico, Coccidioidomycosis is not a reportable disease and its true incidence is unknown, though most clinical case reports originate in the northern region of the country. Regional skin test surveys with coccidioidin in Mexico have shown positive skin reactions between 10% (in Tijuana and Baja California, 1991) and 93% (in Coahuila, 2005).^11,16,17Historically, Argentina is of great interest, since it was the place where the first case of Coccidioidomycosis was reported in 1892. Even though the magnitude of infection in this country is unknown, a prevalence from 14.8 to 16% has been estimated according to some coccidioidin surveys.^1,18,19

The exponential rise in Coccidioidomycosis, particularly in endemic places, has been attributed to many factors, including a growing population, migration of susceptible people to endemic areas, an increase in individuals of advanced age or with immunosuppression, soil disturbances caused by construction and businesses, and climate changes.^10,14,20

RISK FACTORS FOR INFECTION

The most important risk factor is dust exposure in endemic areas, usually due to occupational and recreational activities.¹Populations at greater risk for infection are those with intense exposure to aerosolized arthroconidia, including agricultural or construction workers, or people who participate in outdoor activities such as hunting or digging in the soil.^4,21,22Oubreaks of coccidioidomycosis have been described in military personnel training in endemic areas, armadillo hunting expeditions, construction work, and model airplane competitions.^23-25Other risk factors include natural disasters such as earthquakes and windstorms.^4,26

Coccidioidomycosis affects all age groups, though higher incidence rates have been documented among adults, ranging from 40-49 years in California, to >65 years in Arizona.^14,27It has a predilection for men over women (with an estimated incidence of 54% versus 46% of cases in Arizona, respectively).²⁸Gender disparities are thought to be mostly related to occupational factors (since men tend to participate more in high risk, outdoor activities); however, males also have greater risk for dissemination, suggesting a hormonal or genetic component.^1,29

Certain groups are considered more vulnerable to coccidioidal infection. Racial predilection for Filipino or African American patients has been reported.^30,31These groups have higher rates for infection and dissemination of disease, ranging from 10 to 175 times higher than other ethnicities.³²Pregnant women are also considered a high risk group for severe or disseminated disease, especially during later stages of pregnancy (usually during the third trimester), presumably associated with immunologic and hormonal factors.^33,34Immunosuppressed patients, predominantly those with alteration of T cell function, are at higher risk of infection and dissemination of disease. This group includes patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hematologic malignancies such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) or chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), inflammatory arthritis, and diabetes.^32,35-37Organ transplantation and subsequent use of immunosuppressive agents have also been described as important risk factors for the disease.¹

MICROBIOLOGY, LIFE CYCLE AND IMMUNOLOGY

Coccidioides species exist in two phases: the mycelial phase, and the spherule phase. (12)They are found as mycelia in the soil, made of septate and ramified hyphae, which proliferate rapidly after a rainy period. Then, as the environment dries, mycelia reproduce asexually, breaking the hyphae and releasing small, thick-walled spores named arthroconidia. These spores can spread from the soil by wind, natural disasters, and human activities. Infection occurs with the inhalation of arthroconidia, which later reach the human bronchioles and alveoli. There, they can enlarge and form spherules, which develop internal endospores. The endospores are released and spread to nearby or distant tissues and can develop again into spherules, continuing their life cycle.^10,38-40

Immunological aspects are complex and involve the participation of many cell types. The acute immunologic response to infection consists mainly of an early influx of polymorphonuclear neutrophils, monocytes and natural killer cells; eosinophilia may also be present during this phase. During a later stage, a granulomatous reaction may develop, with increased number of lymphocytes, plasma cells and multinucleated giant cells. Other immune mechanisms involve the presentation of coccidioidal antigens by dendritic cells, the activation of B lymphocytes and CD4+ T lymphocytes, and the development of a delayed-type hypersensitivity and cellular immunity.^10,40,41Once developed, cellular immunity appears to be protective and long lived.⁴¹

CLASSIFICATION AND CLINICAL PICTURE

Coccidioidomycosis may cause a heterogeneous clinical spectrum and be classified into primary and secondary disease. Primary disease generally affects the lungs, which is by far the most common site involved. In this case, it is acquired by direct inhalation of arthroconidia. Primary involvement of the skin is quite uncommon. It is acquired by direct inoculation of the fungus by means of splinters and abrasions. Secondary disease can affect the lungs and become a chronic process. On the other hand, disseminated disease (usually resulting from hematogenous spread of a primary lung infection) can involve many organs, among them: the skin, bones, joints, nervous system and meninges.⁸

PULMONARY COCCIDIOIDOMYCOSIS

Primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis is the most common infection. Up to 60% of the affected individuals are usually asymptomatic, and the remaining 40% can present with pulmonary and systemic manifestations that usually appear one to three weeks after inhalation of arthroconidia.^12,42Most symptomatic patients can develop a flu-like syndrome (fever, headache, profound fatigue, cough, pleuritic pain, and arthralgias), commonly known as "The Valley Fever of San Joaquin".⁴²Cough and fever appear in 75% of patients; the skin is affected in up to 50% of cases during this acute phase, most commonly in the form of a non-pruritic papular rash, erythema nodosum, and erythema multiforme.¹Radiographically, it may be similar to other forms of pneumonia, showing lobar segmental or subsegmental infiltrates. Hilar adenopathy and pleural effusions may also be observed.⁴³

Chronic and progressive pneumonia may occur in a small percentage of cases. The patients present symptoms that last for more than 3 months (persistent cough, hemoptysis, and weight loss). Radiographically, cavitations and solitary pulmonary nodules are detected.³⁸

DISSEMINATED COCCIDIOIDOMYCOSIS

Disseminated disease occurs in 1% to 5% of all patients affected by coccidioidomycosis, and it usually is clinically manifested within 2 years of exposure. Dissemination can affect any organ, with the skin, central nervous system and musculoskeletal system being reported as the most prevalent.¹²Many different cutaneous manifestations may be seen in disseminated disease and will be reviewed in detail later on this article. Osteoarticular infection is usually monoarticular (affecting the knee) or it can affect the vertebrae. These can be difficult to treat.⁴⁴Central nervous system involvement most commonly presents as meningeal infection, which can be fatal if left untreated (95% of patients die within 2 years of diagnosis), and requires life-long therapy.^45,46

Some factors that entail a higher risk for dissemination of coccidioidomycosis are Filipino and African patients, HIV/AIDS, organ transplantation, use of immunosuppressive medications, older age, diabetes and late-stage pregnancy.^4,31,33,37

COCCIDIOIDOMYCOSIS AND THE SKIN

Since the first described case of coccidioidomycosis in Argentina, cutaneous involvement has been present. Among the organs most commonly affected after pulmonary infection, the skin is often involved. Due to the wide variety of clinical presentations, this disease may be included in the group of "great imitators". Knowledge and evaluation of cutaneous manifestations could be of great utility and significance for accurate and early diagnosis and treatment of this disease.⁴⁷

CUTANEOUS MAN IFESTATIONS OF COCCIDIOIDOMYCOSIS

Skin manifestations can be seen in three different scenarios of coccidioidal infection: 1)they can be a part of the acute pulmonary infection and present as an "acute pulmonary exanthema"; 2)they can reflect the presence of a disseminated infection (secondary cutaneous infection); or, in rare occasions, 3)they can represent a primary infection due to direct inoculation (primary cutaneous infection). Despite their variability and heterogeneity, cutaneous manifestations of C. immitis differ between these three forms of disease.⁸

Cutaneous manifestations can be further categorized as reactive and organism-specific.⁴⁸Reactive manifestations do not contain visible microorganisms, and occur during acute primary pulmonary infection in up to 50% of patients.⁴⁹They include erythema nodosum, erythema multiforme, acute generalized exanthema, reactive interstitial granulomatous dermatitis and Sweet's syndrome.⁴⁷Organism-specific manifestations present with lesions that contain the organism, which can be identified in cultures or histopathology; they result from hematogenous spread of a primary pulmonary infection (secondary cutaneous disease) or, very rarely, as a result of direct trauma to the skin (primary cutaneous disease).⁴⁹

REACTIVE CUTANEOUS MANIFESTATIONS

ERYTHEMA NODOSUM

Erythema nodosum is considered the most frequent reactive cutaneous manifestation, appearing one to three weeks after the initial respiratory symptoms.^50,51It is a self-limited, inflammatory disorder of the skin and subcutaneous tissues characterized by multiple erythematous, painful nodules usually limited to the extremities (Figure 1).⁵²Gender and ethnicity play an important role in the onset of erythema nodosum; it is more commonly seen in white females, and it is rare in African American men.⁵³In some endemic sites, in the presence of erythema nodosum, Coccidioides must be ruled out.^50,54It represents a delayed hypersensitivity reaction (cell-mediated immunity) which may confer protection against the organism.⁵⁵It is associated with a favorable prognosis (with less dissemination and chronicity rates). Histologically, septal fibrosis, thickened vessels with mononuclear cells in fat lobules and focal granulomatous inflammation with occasional multinucleated giant cells may be seen, and no pathogens are found within the specimen (Figure 2).⁵⁶

Figure 1
Erythema nodosum, considered the most frequent reactive manifestation and commonly involving the lower extremities

Figure 2
Histopathologic image of erythema nodosum in a patient with coccidioidomycosis. No organisms were found within the specimen

ERYTHEMA MULTIFORME

Erythema multiforme is another cutaneous manifestation that has been reported since a long time ago in association with coccidioidomycosis. It is characterized by target-like lesions that typically occur within the first 48 hours of the initial symptoms and apparently reflect a hypersensitivity response to the infection (Figure 3).⁴⁹Oral involvement, pruritus and palmar desquamation have also been described as part of this manifestation.⁵⁷It is unclear whether true erythema multiforme occurs in coccidioidomycosis or if it actually represents part of an acute exanthema or Sweet's syndrome, although EM-like lesions must be taken into consideration when evaluating a case suggesting coccidioidomycosis.⁴⁷

Figure 3
Erythema multiforme: another common cutaneous manifestation of coccidioidomycosis, characterized by target-like lesions

ACUTE EXANTHEMA

A generalized exanthema or "toxic erythema" can occur in approximately 10 to 12% of patients with symptomatic pulmonary coccidioidomycosis and it has been reported in up to 50% to 60% of patients during outbreaks. It usually appears during the first days of symptoms as papular, macular, urticarial, target-like or morbiliform lesions which may be pruritic and last for several weeks.⁵⁷Clinically, it may be mistaken for allergic contact dermatitis or erythema multiforme, and histopathological findings show a mixed inflammatory infiltrate with perivascular distribution that can also mislead the diagnosis.^5,57,58The exanthema usually resolves before medical evaluation, though it may persist for several weeks and occasionally be followed by desquamation of the palms.^49,57

SWEET'S SYNDROME

Sweet's Syndrome, also called "acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis" has been reported as a very rare feature of coccidioidomycosis, with few cases reported in the literature.^59,60It is characterized by an acute eruption, consisting of painful erythematous, well-demarcated papules and plaques, in association with fever and neutrophilic leukocytosis. In some cases, vesicles and pustules can be seen. The common topography involves the arms, face and neck, and the biopsy specimen shows a diffuse inflammatory infiltrate in the dermis, with neutrophils and leukocytoclastic debris. Even though the mainstay of treatment for Sweet's syndrome are corticosteroids, they are not recommended in the setting of coccidioidal infection, since they could exacerbate the condition.⁶⁰

INTERSTITIAL GRANULOMATOUS DERMATITIS

Granulomatous tissue reactions have been described as a reactive manifestation of a variety of systemic diseases. Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis has been reported in 5 patients with pulmonary coccidioidomycosis. This eruption resembles Sweet's syndrome or a disseminated infection, with edematous and indurated cutaneous papules, nodules, and plaques presenting at the beginning of the illness. Macrophages, eosinophils, neutrophils and leukocytoclastic debris are seen in the biopsy. Resolution of the lesions occurs in a variable period of time, from days to two months.⁴⁸

ORGANISM-SPECIFIC MANIFESTATIONS

SECONDARY CUTANEOUS DISEASE (DISSEMINATED COCCIDIOIDOMYCOSIS)

The skin has been recognized as one of the most common sites of disseminated coccidioidomycosis, and it is estimated that 15% to 67% of patients with disseminated disease have skin involvement.⁴⁹The clinical appearance of lesions is widely heterogeneous, including papules, nodules, gummas, pustular acneiform lesions, ulcerated and verrucous plaques, scars, abscesses and fistulae (Figures 4-7).⁵The usual finding are the nodules.⁴²The topography involves the face, neck, scalp, and chest wall.^5,61The nasolabial fold is a common site of infection.^62-64Facial lesions have been associated with meningitis in some patients.⁶⁵Cutaneous lesions typically present within several weeks or months after the primary infection, or they can be the initial manifestation of the disease.^53,63They may be solitary or multiple and are usually asymptomatic.⁴⁷Important differential diagnosis include histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, cryptococcosis, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis and primary skin malignancies.⁴²Histopathology findings are variable, but usually show suppurative granulomas that contain double-walled refractile spherules (10 to 80 µm) with endospores (Figure 8).⁶²

Figure 4
Disseminated coccidioidomycosis presenting as an erythematous, crusted plaque in the upper extremity

Figure 5
Verrucous plaques are also a common manifestation of disseminated coccidioidomycosis

Figure 6
In this patient, disseminated coccidioidomycosis presented as an ulcerated nodule on the face

Figure 7
Disseminated coccidioidomycosis presenting as an erythemato-squamous plaque on the upper chest

Figures 8
Biopsy specimen showing a Coccidioides spherule

PRIMARY CUTANEOUS COCCIDIOIDOMYCOSIS

Primary cutaneous infection is extremely rare, with about 25 cases previously reported in the literature since 1926. It is usually seen in adults, although a few cases have been reported in children.⁶⁶It results from direct traumatic inoculation of the organism into the skin by an external source and typically manifests as a painless, indurated nodule with ulceration (chancroid lesion) on an extremity.⁵Secondary nodules may arise in a linear lymphatic sporotrichoid distribution (Figure 9).⁶⁷In 1953, Wilson et al established diagnostic criteria for primary cutaneous coccidioidomycosis, including: absence of pulmonary disease, clear evidence of traumatic inoculation, an incubation period of 1 to 3 weeks, a chancriform lesion with a painless, ulcerated nodule or plaque; an early positive precipitin reaction, an early positive coccidioidin skin test, a negative or low complement fixation reaction, the presence of lymphadenopathy and sporotrichoid nodules, and spontaneous healing after some weeks.⁶⁸Presence of granulomas containing the spherules of the fungus is observed. Prognosis of this form of coccidioidomycosis is often excellent, usually with spontaneous resolution.⁶⁹

Figures 9
Primary coccidioidomycosis presenting as lesions in a typical sporothricoid pattern

DIAGNOSTIC METHODS

Culture, microscopy and serology have been the mainstay for diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis.⁷⁰Other diagnostic tools such as cutaneous tests, PCR, and imaging studies are also used.⁵

CULTURE AND MICROSCOPY

C. immitis and C. posadasii grow in several culture media, such as brain-heart infusion, Sabouraud-dextrose, blood and chocolate agar. Growth can be fast, from 2-7 days, or take up to 2-3 weeks. They grow at room temperature as a white, cottony mold (Figure 10).⁵

Figures 10
Coccidioidomycosis culture: white, cottony mold

Spherules may be identified by direct mycology examination of the specimen (with potassium hydroxide and calcofluor) (Figure 11). The presence of septate hyphae, barrel-shaped arthroconidia, and double-walled refractile spherules measuring 10-80 µm with endosporulation is characteristic. Some stains like hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff and Gromori-Grocott can enhance the sensitivity for identification.⁵(Figure 12)

Figures 11
Direct microscopy study of coccidioidomycosis

Figures 12
Gomori-Grocott stain

SEROLOGY

Serologic tests identifying anticoccidioidal antibodies (IgM and IgG) are the most frequently employed assays for the diagnosis and prognosis of coccidioidomycosis. These tests are highly specific and relatively sensible. They include tube precipitin (TP) and complement fixation (CF) assays, as well as immunodiffusion tube precipitin (IDTP) and immunodiffusion complement fixation (IDCF), which are variants of these assays that employ immunodiffusion in agar.¹

IgM antibodies appear between the first and third weeks after the initial symptoms. TP and IDTP tests are the most used methods for detecting IgM antibodies. They are positive usually between the first and third weeks of infection.¹A positive test may indicate a primary infection or reactivation. IgM antibodies tend to disappear after 4 months.⁶⁹

CF and IDCF tests detect complement-fixing IgG antibodies. They appear 8-10 weeks after the initial symptoms, and last longer than tube precipitin antibodies. Titers greater than 1:32 indicate active disseminated disease. The titers usually correlate with severity; they have prognostic significance and can be used to follow progress during treatment. These antibodies tend to disappear after 6 to 8 months.⁶⁹

In summary, a positive TP or IDTP test, with a negative or low CF or IDCF test, suggests primary disease. On the other hand, a negative TP or IDTP test, with a high titer of CF or IDCF suggests disseminated disease.⁷¹

OTHER METHODS

Molecular techniques such as in situ hybridization (ISH) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may assist in the diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis. They are not widely available and their sensitivity has not been determined (it may range from 80 to 98%, depending on the specimen site).^70,72

Skin testing is a diagnostic method that can evaluate the overall incidence of coccidioidomycosis in endemic areas. However, its use is limited, since a positive skin test does not distinguish between current or previous infection.⁴⁷

TREATMENT

Three important factors must be taken into consideration when treating coccidioidomycosis: the severity of pulmonary infection, the presence or absence of dissemination, and the patient's individual risk factors.^47,73

Not every patient with coccidioidomycosis needs to be treated. In fact, pulmonary coccidioidomycosis is often self-limited and some authors do not indicate treatment for immunocompetent patients without risk factors for dissemination.¹However, following the availability of triazoles, most clinicians favor treating all symptomatic patients with antifungal therapy; some of them claim that early treatment may reduce symptom duration and risk of dissemination, though there is no evidence for this assertion.^3,74

For primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis, immunocompetent patients without risk factors for dissemination may be treated with fluconazole or itraconazole at doses of 400 mg per day, for 3 to 6 months. Patients with severe symptoms lasting more than 6 weeks, or with risk factors for dissemination (immunosuppression, AIDS, African-American, Filipino, pregnant women and comorbidities) should also be treated. In pregnant women, the mainstay of treatment is amphotericin B (due to azoles teratogenicity). All other patients with primary coccidioidomycosis and risk factors for dissemination will be treated with azole therapy: fluconazole or itraconazole at doses of 400 mg per day for 4 to 12 months.^3,73

In cases of chronic pulmonary coccidioidomycosis, fluconazole or itraconazole at doses of 400 mg per day for 12 to 18 months or more are indicated, according to clinical response. Severe or refractory infections may be treated with amphotericin B, deoxycholate and liposomal forms.^3,73Posaconazol and voriconazol have been successful in treating some cases.^11,75

Disseminated, meningeal forms of coccidioidomycosis require life-long treatment with drugs such as fluconazole 400 mg per day (with initial doses of up to 1000 mg per day) or itraconazole 400 to 600 mg per day. Intrathecal amphotericin has also been indicated.

Disseminated, non-meningeal forms of coccidioidomycosis should be treated with fluconazole or itraconazole at doses of 400 mg per day for 3 to 6 months, with the alternative of using amphotericin B in severe or rapidly progressing cases. In addition to medical treatment, surgical debridement of abscesses is indicated if needed.⁷³

It is important to mention, however, that antifungal therapy has no role in the treatment of hyperreactive skin changes.⁴⁹In cases of primary cutaneous coccidioidomycosis, treatment with itraconazole has been described, at doses of 400 mg per day for 6 months with excellent response.⁷⁶

CONCLUSION

Skin involvement is one of the most common extrapulmonary manifestations of coccidioidomycosis. It involves a wide spectrum of clinical pictures. Recognizing them is very important to achieve a prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment.

• Financial Support: None
• How to cite this article: Garcia-Garcia SC, Salas-Alanis JC, Gomez-Flores M, Gonzalez-Gonzalez SE, Vera-Cabrera L, Ocampo-Candiani J. Coccidioidomycosis and the skin: a comprehensive review. An Bras Dermatol. 2015;90(5):610-21.
• *
  Work performed at the Dermatology Department, Hospital Universitario Dr. José Eleuterio González, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León

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Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  Sep-Oct 2015

History

• Received
  28 June 2014
• Accepted
  29 July 2014