[aktorque]

A 45-year-old Caucasian male with cough and fever is found on chest x-ray to have a lung infiltrate, hilar adenopathy, and a right-sided pleural effusion. Lung tissue obtained from this patient reveals the findings below.

Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's condition?

A. Rhizopus species
B. Aspergillus fumigatus
C. Candida albicans
D. Cryptococcus neoformans
E. Blastomyces dermatitidis
F. Histoplasma capsulatum
G. Coccidioides immitis
H. Sporothrix schenckii

 

[noone_123i]

G is the answer!

I think the answer is G

 

[zaiody]

G for sure

 

[Mondoshawan]

G

Coccidioides

 

[aktorque]

The most correct answer is G) Coccidioides immitis

The image above shows a large spherule filled with small round endospores. Spherules are the tissue form of Coccidioides immitis. This is a dimorphic fungus that exists in the environment in the form of mold (hyphae). It is endemic to the desert areas of the United States and Mexico. Coccidioides can cause lung disease in immunocompetent people and disseminated disease in the immunocompromised.

Microscopic examination of body fluids, sputum, and tissue samples in 10% KOH or silver stain shows thick-walled spherules packed with endospores. Culture on Sabouraud's agar and serology are also important in making the diagnosis.

 

[sohail]

the answer is G