About Valley fever: a fungal disease endemic to western US

VALLEY FEVER

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Context

Valley fever, a fungal disease endemic to the western United States, is seeing a significant rise in cases across California.

Details

About the fever

Valley fever (coccidioidomycosis) is a fungal infection.
It lives in the soil in the southwestern U.S., parts of Washington state, and Central and South America.
Non-contagious: It does not spread from person to person but is contracted by inhaling fungal spores from the environment.
Most cases are mild, with either no symptoms or flu-like symptoms that resolve on their own.
However, in rare cases, it can cause serious health complications or ongoing lung problems.
Chronic pulmonary coccidioidomycosis may lead to additional symptoms:
- - Coughing up blood
  - Weight loss
  - Chest pain

Causes

Valley fever is caused by inhaling fungal spores from the Coccidioides species, which can grow into clusters in the lungs and spread throughout the body.
Two species of fungi can cause the infection.
Coccidioides immitis: Found in California.
Coccidioides posadasii: Found in other parts of the U.S. and Central/South America.
The fungus is often released into the air by disturbing the soil during construction, dust storms, or farming activities.

About Fungi

Definition	Fungi are a kingdom of spore-producing organisms that feed on organic matter, including molds, yeast, mushrooms, and more.
Characteristics	Eukaryotic organisms (have a defined nucleus) Lack chlorophyll (non-photosynthetic) Rigid cell walls made of chitin Reproduce via spores
Types of Fungi	Molds: Multicellular filamentous organisms, e.g., Penicillium. Yeasts: Unicellular, e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mushrooms: Macroscopic fungi that form fruiting bodies.
Habitat	Found in a variety of environments including soil, decaying matter, air, and as parasites on plants, animals, and humans.
Reproduction	Asexual: Via spore formation, budding, or fragmentation. Sexual: Involves the fusion of two compatible nuclei.
Role in Ecosystem	Decomposers: Break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients. Symbionts: Form mutualistic relationships (e.g., mycorrhizae with plant roots).
Benefits	Used in food production (e.g., yeast in bread, fermentation for alcohol). Production of antibiotics (e.g., Penicillin). Biodegradation.
Harmful Effects	Causes diseases in plants, animals, and humans (e.g., athlete's foot, ringworm). Can spoil food and damage crops (e.g., Aspergillus species).

Read about diseases:

https://www.iasgyan.in/blogs/diseases-and-its-types

Sources:

IndiaToday

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q: Consider the following diseases:

Rift Valley Fever
Colorado Tick Fever
Gonorrhea

Which of the above diseases are caused by fungi?

A. 1 and 2

B. 2 and 3

C. None

D. 1,2 and 3

Answer: C

Explanation:

Rift Valley Fever: A viral disease that primarily affects animals but can also infect humans. It is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause severe disease in both animals and humans.

Colorado Tick Fever: A viral infection transmitted by the bite of infected ticks, causing symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches.

Gonorrhea: A sexually transmitted bacterial infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, affecting the genitals, rectum, and throat.