Key points
- Fungal pneumonias are often misdiagnosed or 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.
Overview
Blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever), histoplasmosis are fungal community-acquired pneumonias (CAP) found in different parts of the United States and the world. These are also often referred to as endemic mycoses.
Guidelines exist for bacterial and viral pneumonias, leaving a gap in guidance on fungal pneumonias.
These testing algorithms can inform clinical diagnostic and treatment decisions for the three endemic mycoses.
Clinical testing guidance
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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