There are over 100,000 species of fungi. Many fungi are good and useful (edible mushrooms would be an example of these) while some cause problems (some fungi can injure plants and humans). Every week the IEQ Review will describe a specific microorganism, its morphological origin and potential health effects.  If you would like to know about a specific organism and/or would like it published in The IEQ Review please email Dr. Rajiv Sahay with the Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDL) at Pure Air Control Services laboratory@pureaircontrols.com.

This week we will cover ...   

Coccidioides immitis




Coccidioides immitis is a thermally dimorphic fungus found in soil particularly at warm and dry areas with low rain fall, high summer temperatures, and low altitude. Coccidioides immitis specifically inhabits alkaline soil. It is isolated in rodent burrows at desert-like areas of southwest United States. Coccidioides immitis is the causative agent of coccidioidomycosis in humans. Coccidioidomycosis is one of the true systemic (endemic) mycoses. It is acquired by inhalation and initially presents with a pulmonary infection which may later disseminate to other organs and systems. Airway coccidioidomycosis involving the endotracheal and endobronchial tissues may develop. Inhalation of the dry arthroconidia of C. immitis, which are carried by dust storms, initiates the infection.