Biology of Coccidioimycosis

In the environment, Coccioides spp. exists as a mold (1) with septate hyphae. The hyphae fragment into arthroconidia (2), which measure only 2-4 \uce\ubcm in diameter and are easily aerosolized when disturbed (3). Arthroconidia are inhaled by a susceptible host (4) and settle into the lungs. The new environment signals a morphologic change, and the arthroconidia become spherules (5). Spherules divide internally until they are filled with endospores (6). When a spherule ruptures (7) the endospores are released and disseminate within surrounding tissue. Endospores are then able to develop into new spherules (6) and repeat the cycle.Publication date from document properties.coccidiomycosis-lifecycle508c.pd