Fabrício André Martins da Costa, Ricardo Coelho Reis, Fábio Benevides,
Geraldo de Sousa Tomé, Marcelo Alcântara Holanda
J Bras Pneumol.2001;27(5):275-278
Coccidioidomycosis is a disease caused by inhalation of arthrospores of the fungus Coccidioides immitis. It has been recognized as a clinical entity since 1892. It is related to activities that involves dust exposure. It is found in many regions of the western hemisphere with dry and alkaline soil. In Brazil it has been described almost exclusively in the Northeast region where drought periods may favor its growth in its soil. We report a case of fatal coccidioidomycosis, in an immunocompetent host, associated to the activity of armadillo hunting (Dasypus novemcynctus) in a rural area of Ceará state.
Keywords: Coccidioidomycosis. Occupational exposure. Armadillos.