Aerobiologia International Journal of Aerobiology

Environmental Variability and Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever)

Authors: Korine N. Kolivras, Peter S. Johnson, Andrew C. Comrie, Stephen R. Yool

Running Head: Environment and Cocci

Article Type: Review Article

Affiliation: The University of Arizona, Department of Geography and Regional Development

Correspondence: Department of Geography and Regional Development, The University of Arizona, Room 409 Harvill Building, Tucson, AZ 85721-0076 USA Phone: (520) 621-1652, Fax: (520) 621-2889 Email: korine@u.arizona.edu

Abstract:

Coccidioidomycosis (valley fever) is a disease endemic to arid regions in the western hemisphere, and is caused by the soil-dwelling fungus Coccidioides immitis (C. immitis). In this paper, we provide an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding valley fever and C. immitis as related to climatic conditions and habitat requirements. Previous research shows there is a relationship between temperature and precipitation, and outbreaks of coccidioidomycosis. Incidence of the disease varies seasonally as well as annually due to changing climatic conditions. However, the specific environmental conditions that may produce an outbreak of coccidioidomycosis are not well understood in space and time. Previous studies have attempted characterize C. immitis' habitat. Temperature, moisture, salinity, and pH of the soil have all been considered separately in the geographic distribution of the fungus. Medical and proactive intervention are served best, however, by an integrative strategy that folds climate and surface variables into spatially-explicit models. We conclude with recommendations for future research directions.

Keywords:

-Climate and health; Spatial variability; Temporal variability; Coccidioidomycosis; Coccidioides immitis; Valley fever; Infectious disease; Southwest United States; Environmental modeling; Disease mapping