The Public Health Impact of Coccidioidomycosis in Arizona and California
Author Information
Author(s): Hector Richard F., Rutherford George W., Tsang Clarisse A., Erhart Laura M., McCotter Orion, Anderson Shoana M., Komatsu Kenneth, Tabnak Farzaneh, Vugia Duc J., Yang Ying, Galgiani John N.
Primary Institution: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Hypothesis
What is the current incidence and demographic information of coccidioidomycosis in Arizona and California?
Conclusion
Coccidioidomycosis has seen a significant increase in incidence in Arizona and California, highlighting the need for improved diagnostics and therapeutics.
Supporting Evidence
- Reported cases of coccidioidomycosis in Arizona increased from 255 to 623 from 1990 to 1995.
- Arizona accounted for 60% of all national coccidioidomycosis cases.
- 54% of patients diagnosed with coccidioidomycosis were male.
- Patients waited a median of 11 days before seeking healthcare for symptoms.
Takeaway
Coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley Fever, is a disease caused by a fungus that is becoming more common in Arizona and California, and many people don't get diagnosed quickly enough.
Methodology
The study involved monitoring reported cases, analyzing demographic data, and conducting interviews with patients diagnosed with coccidioidomycosis.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in reporting due to changes in laboratory reporting practices.
Limitations
Only about 30% of reported cases included race data, which may lead to unreliable incidence rates.
Participant Demographics
The median age of patients was 52 years, with a higher incidence in African Americans and Hispanics.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.04
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.0–3.2
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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