Testing Algorithms for Fungal Pnuemonias

Healthcare provider tools for community-acquired pneumonias

Key points

  • Fungal pneumonias are often misdiagnosed or are diagnosed late, leading to potentially life-threatening treatment delays.
  • In parts of the United States, common endemic community-acquired pneumonias include blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever).
  • Clinicians can use these algorithms to guide diagnostic and treatment decisions.
Map of the United States showing CDC’s current estimates of where the fungi that cause blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever), and histoplasmosis live in the environment

Overview

Three fungal community-acquired pneumonias (CAP) found in different parts of the United States are coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever), histoplasmosis, and blastomycosis. These are also often referred to as endemic myocoses.

Guidelines exist for bacterial and viral pneumonias, leaving a gap in guidance on fungal pneumonias.

These three testing algorithms can inform clinical decisions on diagnostics and treatment for each of the three endemic mycoses.

Clinical testing guidance

Decision tree explaining scenarios leading to different testing decisions.

Testing Algorithm for Blastomycosis

Algorithm to guide testing and treatment decisions for blastomycosis in people with pneumonia.
Decision tree explaining scenarios leading to different testing decisions.

Testing Algorithm for Histoplasmosis

Algorithm to guide testing and treatment decisions about histoplasmosis in patients with pneumonia.
Flowchart for determining when to test for coccidioidomycosis

Testing Algorithm for Coccidioidomycosis

Clinical algorithm to guide testing and treatment for Valley fever in patients with pneumonia.
Keep Reading: Fungal Community-Acquired Pneumonias

These algorithms were developed by CDC, Mycoses Study Group, and Coccidioidomycosis Study Group. Infectious diseases physicians, primary care practitioners, urgent care practitioners, and epidemiologists provided consultation.

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Content Source:
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)