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Coccidioidin or spherulin skin test

• Overview
• Risks
• Results

Definition:

Coccidioides is a fungus that causes coccidioidomycosis . Coccidioidomycosis is common in the San Joaquin Valley of California and certain other areas in the southwestern U.S.

Symptoms resemble pneumonia or pulmonary tuberculosis . There may be small, red, inflamed areas on the skin. This test detects exposure to this fungus.

Coccidioidin and spherulin are two different antigens and are both used to test for coccidioidomycosis. Spherulin may be a more sensitive test than coccidioidin.

How the test is performed:

The test site (an area with hair, usually the forearm) is cleansed. The antigen is then injected just below the skin surface. The test is read at 24 hours and at 48 hours.

How to prepare for the test:

There is no special preparation necessary.

How the test will feel:

There will be a brief sting as a needle is inserted just below the skin's surface.

Why the test is performed:

The test detects if the body's immune system responds to the fungus, indicating that the person has been exposed to this organism.

References:

Chiller TM. Coccidioidomycosis. Infect Dis Clin North Am . 2003; 17(1): 41-57, viii.

Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 5th ed. London, UK: Churchill Livingstone; 2000:2746-2755.

Galgiani JN, Ampel N, Blair JE, et al. Coccidioidomycosis. Clin Infect Dis . 2005;41:1217-23.

• Review Date: 2/10/2006
• Reviewed By: Kenneth Wener, M.D., Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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