Optimized, efficient answers
Streamlined, patient-focused testing
Valley fever, or coccidioidomycosis, is an infection caused by the coccidioides fungus. Present in the arid soils of the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico, Central America, and South America, coccidioides spores can be inhaled by humans. While most individuals with coccidioides infection do not exhibit symptoms, certain individuals, such as those who are immunocompromised, are at higher risk for becoming severely ill.
Confirming a valley fever diagnosis typically requires a multi-pronged approach that uses both serologic (e.g., polymerase chain reaction [PCR]), and molecular testing. This approach has numerous challenges.
Enhanced test utilization through an algorithmic testing approach
Mayo Clinic Laboratories employs an alternative testing approach. Our streamlined, reflexive coccidioides evaluation first uses molecular testing to screen patients’ blood for coccidioides antibodies using a highly sensitive, automated enzyme immunoassay (EIA), which can detect the species directly from clinical specimens.
If positive, testing cascades to serologic testing (e.g., complement fixation [CF] with immunodiffusion [ID]), to confirm diagnosis. If screening is negative, results are quickly reported, providing patients with clinical information to assist in care.
Key testing
COXIS | Coccidioides Antibody Screen with Reflex, Serum*
*If positive, will reflex to:
By the numbers
20,000+
cases of valley fever reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2019
60%
of individuals with coccidioidomycosis are asymptomatic
200
annual deaths associated with coccidioidomycosis
Additional testing
References