Coccidioides species as potential agents of bioterrorism

Abstract

Coccidioides species are soil fungi endemic to the southwestern USA, and parts of Central and South America. Natural infection occurs as a result of inhalation of airborne arthroconidia. There is a wide spectrum of clinical illness and, although most human cases are self-limiting and inconsequential, infection can result in severe effects and sometimes death. Both Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii are potential bioterrorism agents. As such, in the USA and elsewhere, these organisms fall under stringent regulations that govern their possession, use and transfer. However, the public health consequences of their deliberate release among a susceptible civilian population are uncertain and most probably limited.