Seroincidence of Coccidioidomycosis during military desert training exercises

J Clin Microbiol. 2004 Oct;42(10):4552-5. doi: 10.1128/JCM.42.10.4552-4555.2004.

Abstract

Coccidioidomycosis is a common fungal infection acquired in the southwestern United States. This is the first study in over 2 decades to determine the seroincidence of Coccidioides immitis infections among U.S. military members performing training exercises in an area of endemicity. Only 8% of participants were aware of coccidioidomycosis, despite the majority having visited or lived previously in an area of endemicity. One (0.6%) of the 178 participants developed "definite" serologic evidence of infection over a 5-week training period; four (2.3%) additional patients developed "possible" coccidioidomycosis infections. None had complicated disease. The calculated annual incidence ranged from 6 to 32%. This study suggests that the risk of serious coccidioidomycosis is low among military personnel during desert training exercises; however, disease incidence may vary depending on specific activities and geographic factors. Due to the potential morbidity and mortality of this infection, preventative strategies, including vaccine development, are advocated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Fungal / blood*
  • Coccidioides / immunology*
  • Coccidioidomycosis / epidemiology*
  • Coccidioidomycosis / microbiology
  • Desert Climate*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Military Personnel*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Fungal