Treatment of Coccidioidomycosis

Publication Date: August 30, 2016
Last Updated: December 16, 2022

Treatment

Management of Coccidioidomycosis in Patients Without Overt Immunosuppressing Conditions

Health Education and Physical Therapy Reconditioning Programs In the Management Program of Patients With Newly Diagnosed, Uncomplicated Coccidioidal Pneumonia

Patients with uncomplicated pulmonary coccidioidomycosis should have a management plan that incorporates regular medical follow-up, health education, and a plan for physical reconditioning. ( S , L)
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The IDSA recommends patient education, close observation, and supportive measures such as reconditioning physical therapy for patients who appear to have mild or nondebilitating symptoms, or who have substantially improved or resolved their clinical illness by the time of diagnosis. ( S , L)
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Starting Antifungal Drug Therapy In Patients With Newly Diagnosed, Uncomplicated Coccidioidal Pneumonia

The IDSA recommends initiating antifungal treatment for patients who, at the time of diagnosis, have significantly debilitating illness ( S , L)
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For patients at the time of diagnosis with extensive pulmonary involvement, with concurrent diabetes, or who are otherwise frail because of age or comorbidities, the IDSA recommends initiating antifungal treatment. Some experts would also include African or Filipino ancestry as indications for treatment ( S , L)
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If treatment is begun in nonpregnant adults, the treatment should be an orally absorbed azole antifungal (eg, fluconazole) at a daily dose of ≥400 mg ( S , L)
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Pulmonary Coccidioidomycosis With an Asymptomatic Pulmonary Nodule and No Overt Immunosuppressing Conditions

Once there is confirmation that a pulmonary nodule is due to coccidioidomycosis, the IDSA recommends no antifungal treatment for an asymptomatic pulmonary nodule due to coccidioidomycosis. ( S , VL)
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Asymptomatic Coccidioidal Cavity Without an Immunosuppressing Condition

The IDSA recommends against the use of antifungal therapy for patients with an asymptomatic cavity. ( S , L)
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Symptomatic Chronic Cavitary Coccidioidal Pneumonia

The IDSA recommends that patients with symptomatic chronic cavitary coccidioidal pneumonia be treated with an oral agent such as fluconazole or itraconazole ( S , M)
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The IDSA recommends that surgical options be explored when the cavities are persistently symptomatic despite antifungal treatment. The IDSA recommends that surgical options be considered when cavities have been present for >2 years and if symptoms recur whenever antifungal treatment is stopped. ( S , VL)
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The IDSA recommends that when surgical management of cavitary coccidioidal pneumonia is undertaken, a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) approach be attempted if the surgeon has significant expertise in VATS. ( S , L)
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For patients with ruptured coccidioidal cavity, the IDSA recommends prompt decortication and resection of the cavity, if possible. ( S , VL)
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If the pleural space is massively contaminated, decortications combined with prolonged chest tube drainage may be more appropriate. ( W , VL)
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For patients with ruptured coccidioidal cavities, oral azole therapy is recommended. For patients who do not tolerate oral azole therapy or patients whose disease requires 2 or more surgical procedures for control, intravenous AmB is recommended. ( S , VL)
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Extrapulmonary Soft Tissue Coccidioidomycosis, Not Associated With Bone Infection

The IDSA recommends antifungal therapy in all cases of extrapulmonary soft tissue coccidioidomycosis. ( S , M)
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The IDSA recommends oral azoles, in particular fluconazole or itraconazole, for first-line therapy of extrapulmonary soft tissue coccidioidomycosis. ( S , M)
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The IDSA recommends intravenous AmB in cases of azole failure, particularly in coccidioidal synovitis. ( S , M)
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Bone and/or Joint Coccidioidomycosis

The IDSA recommends azole therapy for bone and joint coccidioidomycosis, unless the patient has extensive or limb-threatening skeletal or vertebral disease causing imminent cord compromise. ( S , L)
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For severe osseous disease, the IDSA recommends AmB as initial therapy, with eventual change to azole therapy for the long term. ( S , L)
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The IDSA recommends surgical consultation for all patients with vertebral coccidioidal infection to assist in assessing the need for surgical intervention. ( S , L)
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Surgical procedures are recommended in addition to antifungal drugs for patients with bony lesions that produce spinal instability, spinal cord or nerve root compression, or significant sequestered paraspinal abscess. ( S , L)
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The IDSA recommends that surgical consultation be obtained periodically during the course of medical treatment. ( S , L)
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Newly Diagnosed Coccidioidal Infection

In patients with recently diagnosed coccidioidal infection, the IDSA recommends lumbar puncture with cerebrospinal fluid analysis only in patients with unusual, worsening, or persistent headache, with altered mental status, unexplained nausea or vomiting, or new focal neurologic deficit after adequate imaging of the central nervous system (CNS). ( S , M)
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For coccidioidal meningitis (CM), the IDSA recommends fluconazole 400–1200 mg orally daily as initial therapy for most patients with normal renal function. ( S , M)

There is no role for a dose <400 mg daily in the adult patient without substantial renal impairment. Some experts prefer to use itraconazole 200 mg 2–4 times daily, but this requires closer monitoring to assure adequate absorption, and there are more drug–drug interactions than with fluconazole.

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For CM, the IDSA recommends azole treatment for life. ( S , M)
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In patients with CM who clinically fail initial therapy with fluconazole, higher doses are a first option. ( S , M)
Alternative options are to change therapy to another orally administered azole, or to initiate intrathecal AmB therapy.
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For patients with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) at the time of diagnosis, the IDSA recommends medical therapy and repeated lumbar punctures as initial management. ( S , L)
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Because most patients who develop ICP will not resolve this problem without placement of a permanent shunt, the IDSA recommends early magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and neurosurgical consultation. ( S , M)
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The IDSA recommends that patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction have the revision performed in a single procedure ( S , L)
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When the shunt has developed a bacterial or other superinfection, the IDSA recommends that the infected shunt be removed and a replacement be placed at a subsequent time as a second procedure. ( S , L)
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In patients with CM who initially respond to a treatment plan and while on therapy develop acute or chronic neurologic changes, the IDSA recommends that repeat MRI of the brain and possibly the spinal cord, with and without contrast, as well as spinal fluid analysis be obtained either from a lumbar or cisternal aspiration. ( S , L)
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Management of Patients With Coccidioidomycosis in Special At-Risk Populations

For the treatment of autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or solid organ transplant recipients with acute or chronic pulmonary coccidioidomycosis who are clinically stable and have normal renal function, the IDSA recommends initiating treatment with fluconazole 400 mg daily or the equivalent dose based upon renal function. ( S , L)
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For the treatment of patients with very severe and/or rapidly progressing acute pulmonary or disseminated coccidioidomycosis, the IDSA recommends the use of AmB until the patient has stabilized, followed by fluconazole. ( S , L)
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For autologous or allogeneic HSCT or solid organ transplant recipients with extrapulmonary coccidioidomycosis, the IDSA recommends the same treatment as for non–transplant recipients. ( S , VL)
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For allogeneic HSCT or solid organ transplant recipients with severe or rapidly progressing coccidioidomycosis, the IDSA recommends reduction of immunosuppression (without risking graft-vs-host disease or organ rejection, respectively, whenever possible) until the infection has begun to improve. ( S , VL)
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Following initial treatment of active coccidioidomycosis, the IDSA recommends that suppressive treatment be continued to prevent relapsed infection. ( S , VL)
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The IDSA recommends oral azole therapy for recipients of biological response modifiers unless their coccidioidomycosis is severe enough that intravenous AmB would otherwise be recommended (refer to sections on pneumonia, soft tissue dissemination, skeletal dissemination, and meningitis). ( S , L)
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Pregnant Women With Coccidioidomycosis and Their Neonates

During Pregnancy
The development of symptomatic coccidioidomycosis during pregnancy should prompt consideration of starting administration of antifungal therapy. ( S , M)
For women who develop initial nonmeningeal coccidioidal infection during pregnancy, their management depends on fetal maturity.
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For women who develop initial nonmeningeal coccidioidal infection during their first trimester of pregnancy, intravenous AmB is recommended ( S , M)
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Other options include no therapy with close monitoring, ( W , L)
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or an azole antifungal after educating the mother regarding potential teratogenicity. ( W , L)
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After the first trimester of pregnancy, an azole antifungal, such as fluconazole or itraconazole, can be considered. ( S , L)
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A final alternative would be to administer intravenous AmB throughout pregnancy. ( W , M)
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For women who develop CM during the first trimester of pregnancy, intrathecal AmB is recommended. ( S , M)
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After the first trimester and in cases where disease is diagnosed after the first trimester, an azole antifungal, such as fluconazole or itraconazole, can be prescribed. ( S , L)
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Among women with a history of prior uncomplicated coccidioidomycosis who are not currently on therapy, the risk of reactivation is low and antifungal therapy is NOT recommended. ( S , M)
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For such women, close follow-up, including obtaining coccidioidal serologic testing at the initial visit and every 6–12 weeks throughout pregnancy, should be performed ( S , M)
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For women with nonmeningeal coccidioidomycosis on antifungal therapy who become pregnant while infection is in remission, azole antifungal therapy may be discontinued with clinical and serological monitoring every 4–6 weeks to assess for reactivation. ( W , L)
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An alternative to this, especially if the coccidioidal infection is not clearly in remission, is to stop azole antifungal therapy and start intravenous AmB during the first trimester, changing back to an azole antifungal after the first trimester. ( S , L)
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For the pregnant woman with CM who is on azole antifungal therapy at the time of pregnancy, azole therapy should be stopped for the first trimester to avoid the risk of teratogenicity. ( S , M)
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During this period, one approach is to initiate intrathecal AmB, especially if meningeal signs and symptoms are present. ( S , M)
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Azole antifungal therapy may then be restarted during the second trimester ( W , L)
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or intrathecal AmB continued throughout gestation. ( W , L)
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An alternative is to continue azole antifungal therapy throughout gestation provided that the mother agrees to this approach after being educated regarding the risks and benefits of this strategy. ( W , L)
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A final alternative for the pregnant woman with CM is to stop the azole antifungal, monitor the patient closely during the first trimester, and restart azole antifungal therapy during the second or third trimester. ( W , VL)
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  • Because of the risk of relapse with this approach, some experts do not recommend it.
The development of a febrile pulmonary illness during pregnancy in a woman residing in the coccidioidal endemic region or with an appropriate travel history should be evaluated for active coccidioidomycosis, including obtaining a chest radiograph and coccidioidal serology and cultures. ( S , M)
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For Neonates
The IDSA recommends against coccidioidal serologic tests for infants during the first 3 months of life. Positive tests should be interpreted with caution during the first year of life. ( S , M)
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Empiric therapy with fluconazole at 6–12 mg/kg daily is recommended for infants suspected of having coccidioidomycosis and should be continued until the diagnosis has been ruled out. ( S , L)
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Breastfeeding is NOT recommended for mothers on azole antifungals other than fluconazole. ( S , M)
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HIV Co-Infection

Antifungal prophylaxis is NOT recommended to prevent coccidioidomycosis in patients infected with HIV living in coccidioidal-endemic regions. ( S , M)
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Antifungal therapy is recommended for all patients with HIV infection with clinical evidence of coccidioidomycosis and a peripheral blood CD4 T-lymphocyte count <250 cells/µL. ( S , M)
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Antifungal therapy should be continued as long as the peripheral CD4 T-lymphocyte count remains <250 cells/µL. ( S , L)
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For patients with peripheral CD4 T-lymphocyte counts ≥250 cells/µL, clinical management of coccidioidomycosis should occur in the same manner as for patients without HIV infection, including discontinuing antifungal therapy in appropriate situations. ( S , M)
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Within coccidioidal-endemic regions, patients should receive yearly serologic screening and chest radiography for coccidioidomycosis ( S , L)
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Outside coccidioidal-endemic regions, serologic screening is NOT recommended. ( S , M)
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Although data are lacking, pediatric patients with HIV infection and coccidioidomycosis should be managed in a manner similar to adult patients. ( S , VL)
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Initiation of potent antiretroviral therapy (ART) should not be delayed because of the concern about coccidioidal immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. ( S , L)
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Preemptive Strategies for Coccidioidomycosis in Special At-Risk Populations
For all patients undergoing organ transplantation in the endemic area without active coccidioidomycosis, the IDSA recommends the use of an oral azole (eg, fluconazole 200 mg) for 6–12 months. ( S , L)
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For patients in the endemic area, the IDSA recommends screening with Coccidioides serology prior to initiation of biologic response modifier therapy, as well as regular clinical followup for new signs and symptoms. ( S , VL)
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The IDSA does NOT recommend regular serologic screening or antifungal prophylaxis in asymptomatic patients taking biologic response modifiers (BRMs).

( S , VL)
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Recommendation Grading

Overview

Title

Treatment of Coccidioidomycosis

Authoring Organization

Infectious Diseases Society of America

Publication Month/Year

August 30, 2016

Last Updated Month/Year

November 25, 2024

Document Type

Guideline

External Publication Status

Published

Country of Publication

US

PICO Questions

  1. In Which Patients With Newly Diagnosed, Uncomplicated Coccidioidal Pneumonia Should Antifungal Drug Therapy Be Started?

  2. In Patients With Newly Diagnosed, Uncomplicated Coccidioidal Pneumonia, How Should Health Education and Physical Therapy Reconditioning Programs Be Incorporated Into the Management Program of Uncomplicated Coccidioidal Pneumonia?

  3. For Patients With Primary Pulmonary Coccidioidomycosis With an Asymptomatic Pulmonary Nodule, and No Overt Immunosuppressing Conditions, Which Treatment Strategy Is Preferred

  4. For Patients Who Have an Asymptomatic Coccidioidal Cavity and Without an Immunosuppressing Condition, Should an Antifungal Drug Be Used?

  5. For Patients With Symptomatic Chronic Cavitary Coccidioidal Pneumonia, Should an Oral Azole Such as Fluconazole or Intravenous Amphotericin B (AmB) Be Used?

  6. In Patients With Symptomatic Cavitary Coccidioidal Pneumonia, Should the Infection Be Removed Surgically?

  7. In Patients for Whom Cavitary Coccidioidal Pneumonia Is Going to Be Surgically Managed, Should This Be Done by Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery or Open Thoracotomy?

  8. In Patients With a Ruptured Coccidioidal Cavity, Should This Be Managed With Chest Tubes or With Surgical Excision of the Ruptured Cavity?

  9. For Patients With Ruptured Coccidioidal Cavities, Is an Oral Azole or Intravenous AmB the Preferred Method of Antifungal Treatment?

  10. For Patients With Extrapulmonary Soft Tissue Coccidioidomycosis, Not Associated With Bone Infection, Is Antifungal Therapy Indicated?

  11. For Patients With Bone and/or Joint Coccidioidomycosis, Which Therapy Is Preferred

  12. In Patients With Vertebral Coccidioidomycosis, Should Lesions Be Managed With Surgery?

  13. In Patients With Newly Diagnosed Coccidioidal Infection, Should a Lumbar Puncture Be Performed?

  14. For Patients With Newly Diagnosed CM, What Is the Primary Treatment?

  15. For Patients With CM Who Improve or Become Asymptomatic on Initial Therapy, When Can Treatment be Stopped?

  16. In Patients With CM Who Do Not Have a Satisfactory Response to Initial Antifungal Therapy, What Modifications Can Be Considered?

  17. For Patients Who Develop Hydrocephalus, Which Patients Should Be Referred for Neurosurgical Procedures to Relieve Intracranial Pressure (ICP)?

  18. In Patients With CM and in Whom a Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Has Been Placed, Should Shunt Malfunction or Superinfection Be Managed With a Single- or Double-Staged Surgical Revision?

  19. In Patients With CM Who Initially Respond to a Treatment Plan and While on Therapy Develop Acute or Chronic Neurologic Changes, What Assessments Are Needed to Reevaluate and Modify Therapy?

  20. For Allogeneic or Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) or Solid Organ Transplant Recipients With Active Coccidioidomycosis, Which Initial Treatment Strategy Is Preferred

  21. In Such Patients, Should Antirejection Treatment Be Modified or Continued Without Change?

  22. In HSCT or Solid Organ Transplant Recipients With Active Coccidioidomycosis, Should Antifungal Treatment Be Modified Following Initial Treatment?

  23. For Recipients of Biological Response Modifiers With Active Coccidioidomycosis, Which Treatment Is Preferred

  24. What Is the Preferred Method for Management of Pregnant Women With Coccidioidomycosis and Their Neonates?

  25. What Is the Best Way to Manage Coccidioidomycosis in Patients Infected With HIV?

  26. For Organ Transplant Recipients Without Active Coccidioidomycosis, Which Primary Prevention Strategy Is Preferred

  27. For Recipients of Biological Response Modifiers Without Active Coccidioidomycosis, Which Primary Prevention Strategy Is Preferred

Inclusion Criteria

Male, Female, Adolescent, Adult, Child, Infant, Older adult

Health Care Settings

Ambulatory, Hospital

Intended Users

Nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant

Scope

Diagnosis, Assessment and screening, Treatment, Management, Prevention

Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)

D003047 - Coccidioidomycosis

Keywords

coccidioidomycosis, azoles, antifungal, Coccidioidal Pneumonia

Source Citation

Galgiani JN et al. 2016 Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Coccidioidomycosis. Available at: http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2016/07/06/cid.ciw360.full.pdf+html. Accessed August 2, 2016.