Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever)
- Lab Tests
Confirmation of
coccidioidomycosis requires the demonstrated presence of Coccidioides by histopathologic, cultural or molecular means and/or
demonstration of a specific immunologic response: skin test conversion or demonstration of presence of
coccidioidal antibody. The results of these immunologic tests must be interpreted in the context of the
varied clinical presentations and duration and clinical type of coccidioidomycosis.
Lab Criteria for Diagnosis
Laboratory-confirmed coccidioidomycosis requires at least one of the
following:
- Cultural, histopathologic, or molecular evidence of the presence of C.
immitis, OR
- Immunologic evidence of infection (All titers must be >= 1:4)
- Serologic (testing of serum, cerebrospinal fluid, or other bodily fluid):
- Detection of coccidioidal IgM by immunodiffusion, enzyme immunoassay, latex agglutination, or tube precipitin, OR
- Detection of any titer of coccidioidal IgG by immunodifusion, enzyme immunoassay, or complement fixation.
- Coccidioidal skin test conversion from negative to positive after the onset of clinical signs and symptoms.
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