Coccidioidomycosis in selected immunosuppressed hosts

Med Mycol. 2019 Feb 1;57(Supplement_1):S56-S63. doi: 10.1093/mmy/myy019.

Abstract

After contracting coccidioidomycosis, persons with impaired cellular immunity are more likely than healthy persons to have severe infection, disseminated infection, and higher mortality rates. In this brief review, we summarize the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of coccidioidomycosis in persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), recipients of solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplants, and recipients of biologic response modifiers. Among individuals infected with HIV, a diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and a CD4 T-lymphocyte count <250 cells/μl were associated with more severe coccidioidomycosis, whereas less severe disease occurred among those with undetectable HIV-RNA and higher CD4 T-lymphocyte counts, indicating that controlled HIV viremia and improved cellular immune status are important in limiting disease. For transplant recipients whose immunosuppression typically peaks in the first 3 to 6 months and tapers thereafter, the greatest risk of acute coccidioidomycosis occurs 6 to 12 months after transplantation. Relapses of recent coccidioidomycosis may occur during ongoing immunosuppression when patients are not taking suppressive antifungal medication. Recipients of biologic agents, especially those that impair tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), may be at increased risk for poorly controlled coccidioidomycosis; however, the best way to prevent and treat such infections has yet to be defined.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • Coccidioides / immunology
  • Coccidioidomycosis / diagnosis*
  • Coccidioidomycosis / drug therapy
  • Coccidioidomycosis / immunology*
  • Coccidioidomycosis / prevention & control
  • HIV Infections / blood
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / microbiology
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular
  • Immunocompromised Host*
  • Immunologic Factors / administration & dosage
  • Immunologic Factors / adverse effects
  • Risk Factors
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha