A Review of Diagnostics for Coccidiomycosis

Abstract Coccidiomycosis is an endemic mycosis that is caused by the dimorphic fungal organisms Coccidoides immitis and C. posadasii. Patients with coccidiomycosis often present for care with community-acquired pneumonia-like illness, and unfortunately, this diagnosis is not commonly at the top of a clinician’s differential, even in areas of endemicity. This review examines the various assays that can be used to diagnose infection with Coccidioides spp., including discussion of the performance and interpretation of serological assays, molecular diagnostics, and fungal culture. Additionally, the use of alternative, non-coccidioidal biomarkers to support the diagnosis are discussed.