Coccidioides immitis:
A middle age patient presented with cough.
This histology section shows spherules (circular structures) containing endospores. In the GMS stain, the fungal organisms show up as black spherules on a light green background.
GMS Stain of Coccidioides immitis
When the spherule containing endospores ruptures, the endospores disseminate through the blood stream to other parts of the body.
H&E stain of Coccidioides immitis
Coccidioides immitis is one of the most virulent fungal pathogens. Patients are often infected by exposure to Coccidioides contaminated soil dust. Living in an area where the organisms thrive is the primary risk factor.
The infection can be asymptomatic or symptomatic. If symptomatic it is often manifested as fever with cough and/or chest pain .
Coccidioides immitis primarily affects the lungs, however; it can affect other body parts as it disseminates through the bloodstream.
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