A 42-year-old male construction worker in southern Arizona developed a cold-like illness, experiencing a chronic cough, chest pain, headaches, and general fatigue.When the symptoms did not abate after several weeks, he visited his physician who ordered microscopic examination and culture of his sputum specimen.Direct microscopic exam demonstrated the presence of large spherule structures full of endsospores.The specimen was cultured at both 25°C and 37°C.The plate incubated at 25°C grew tan colonies with a fluffy white center.Examination of these colonies microscopically showed branching septate hyphae.As the culture matured, the hyphae fragmented into arthrospores.What is the most likely diagnosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of large spherule structures full of endospores on microscopic examination of sputum specimen along with the growth of tan colonies with a fluffy white center on culture at 25°C, branching septate hyphae, and fragmentation of hyphae into arthrospores are all characteristics of coccidioidomycosis. This disease is caused by inhalation of spores of the fungus Coccidioides immitis, which is endemic in certain areas of southern Arizona. The symptoms of coccidioidomycosis can range from mild flu-like illness to severe pneumonia, and chest pain is a common complaint.

A 42-Year-Old Male Construction Worker in Southern Arizona Developed a Cold-Like