Immunocompetent host and mortality-related coccidioidomycosis: A case report and narrative review

TL;DR

A 34-year-old woman without known risk factors died from coccidioidomycosis, highlighting the disease's potential severity even in immunocompetent individuals.

Contribution

This case report adds to the understanding of coccidioidomycosis in immunocompetent hosts and emphasizes the need for early diagnosis.

Findings

A 34-year-old woman with no known risk factors died from progressive pulmonary coccidioidomycosis.

The case highlights the potential for severe outcomes in immunocompetent individuals.

Early diagnosis and treatment may be critical in preventing mortality in such cases.

Abstract

Coccidioidomycosis, caused by Coccidioides infection, is typically subclinical and self-limited in immunocompetent patients. Occupational soil exposure, age ≥55 years, pregnancy, comorbidities, or immunosuppression states are common contributors to disease progression and potential mortality. This report describes a 34-year-old woman from Northwest Mexico, without evident risk factors, who presented chest pain and odynophagia as initial clinical symptoms and died at the 19th day of progressive clinical evolution consequence of pulmonary coccidioidomycosis. Findings in this report, along with those reviewed from the literature, highlight potential disparities that may be helpful in limited clinical settings, so eventual mortality-related coccidioidomycosis can be prevented.

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