Coccidioides Antibody, Pleural Fluid, Complement Fixation

CCFBF

SQL, test code 11059

See link below for specimen details, methodology, setup schedule and reference ranges.

Coccidioidomycosis, also known as San Joaquin Valley fever, is a systemic fungal infection endemic to Arizona and other parts of the southwestern United States. Approximately 60% of infections are asymptomatic. Of the 40% who develop symptoms, most will have an acute febrile "flu-like" illness starting 7-28 days (average 10-16 days) after exposure and most patients will recover completely. The main symptoms are fever, pleuritic chest pain, cough, malaise, headache, myalgia, night sweats and loss of appetite. Five percent of patients may develop metapulmonary dissemination to the meninges, bones, joints and subcutaneous and cutaneous tissues, within the first few weeks to months after the onset of primary infection.