Comparative aspects of coccidioidomycosis in animals and humans.

Coccidioides spp. appear capable of infecting all mammals and at least some reptiles. Development of disease as a result of infection is species-dependent. Dogs seem to have a susceptibility similar to that of humans, with subclinical infections, mild-to-severe primary pulmonary disease, and disseminated disease. Whereas central nervous system disease in humans is typically meningitis, brain disease in dogs and cats takes the form of granulomatous parenchymal masses. Osteomyelitis is the most common form of disseminated disease in the dog, while skin lesions predominate in the cat. Orally administered azole antifungal agents are the backbone of therapy in animals as they are in humans.