REVIEW OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY

MEDICAL MYCOLOGY

1. infections usually occur through the inhalation of arthroconidia
2. spherules are formed in infected tissues and are considered to be of diagnostic value
3. the coccidioidin test is useful in the diagnosis of the infection
4. amphotericin B is the drug of choice in the treatment
5. arthroconidia are found in the soil of any state in the United States

(E) Coccidioides immitis is a dimorphic fungus that causes coccidioidomycosis. This fungus lives in the soil of a highly restricted geographic area: the southwestern United States, contiguous regions of northern Mexico, and specific areas of Central and South America. The fungus and the infection it causes are almost entirely limited to this endemic area. Infection usually occurs through contact with or inhalation of arthroconidia formed in soil. All other statements are correct. (Joklik et al, p. 1092; Ryan et al, pp. 607-611)

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