Symptoms and routine laboratory abnormalities associated with coccidioidomycosis

Abstract

To assess the relationships of various symptoms and other early findings to the diagnosis of primary coccidioidomycosis, we devised a 40-question survey that was completed by 556 college students seeking medical care for illness possibly due to Coccidioides immitis. The results of routine laboratory studies on these patients were also compiled. Of 269 who had coccidioidal antibody determinations and other diagnostic tests, coccidioidomycosis was diagnosed in 36 (13%). By logistic regression procedures, an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, male gender, "red lumps on shins," recent arrival to an endemic area, acuteness of symptoms, and decreased total peripheral blood lymphocyte counts were independent factors positively associated with infection (P less than .05). Relative risk analysis indicated that 60% of patients with four or more of these factors were found to have coccidioidomycosis. Other significantly but not independently associated factors were an increased total leukocyte count, chest pain with breathing, fever, an absence of hoarseness, and an abnormal chest roentgenogram.