How Do You Spell COCCIDIOIDES IMMITIS?

1. Coccidioides immitis is a pathogenic fungus that primarily inhabits arid and semi-arid regions of North and South America, causing the respiratory illness known as coccidioidomycosis or valley fever. This fungus is classified as a dimorphic organism, meaning it can exist in two different morphological forms during its life cycle: as a saprophytic mold in the environment and as a parasitic, yeast-like form in host tissue.

   In its mold form, Coccidioides immitis produces asexual spores called arthroconidia, which are easily dispersed and inhaled by humans or animals. Once inside a susceptible host, these spores transform into pathogenic yeast cells, initiating infection in the lungs. The yeast cells multiply and form small, spherical structures called spherules, within which they undergo replication and produce endospores. These endospores are eventually released, disseminating the infection to other parts of the body, such as the skin, bones, and central nervous system.

   Coccidioidomycosis caused by Coccidioides immitis can range from asymptomatic or mild self-limiting respiratory illness to severe and disseminated disease, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms typically include fatigue, cough, fever, chest pain, and joint aches. In severe cases, the infection can lead to chronic or progressive lung disease, meningitis, or fatal complications.

   Treatment for coccidioidomycosis usually involves antifungal medications, such as azole drugs, amphotericin B, or echinocandins, depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's immune status. In certain instances, individuals with severe or disseminated disease may require long-term therapy and close medical

2. An organism found in certain cutaneous and pulmonary affections with lesions resembling infectious granulomata; it is uncertain whether the organism is a protozoan or a mould.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for COCCIDIOIDES IMMITIS

The word "Coccidioides immitis" has a Latin-based etymology.

"Coccidioides" is derived from the Latin word "coccidium", which means a small granule or kernel, and the suffix "-oides", meaning resembling or similar to. So, "Coccidioides" can be interpreted as "resembling a small granule".

"Immitis" comes from the Latin word "immitis", meaning harsh, cruel, or severe. In this context, "immitis" describes the severe and often debilitating effects caused by the fungus Coccidioides immitis.

Overall, the etymology of "Coccidioides immitis" suggests a fungus with granule-like structures that causes severe disease.