RecruitingNCT02190266

Pathogenesis and Genetics of Disseminated or Refractory Coccidioidomycosis

The Pathogenesis and Genetics of Disseminated or Refractory Coccidioidomycosis


Sponsor

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

Enrollment

400 participants

Start Date

Sep 2, 2014

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Conditions

Summary

Background: \- Coccidioidomycosis is caused by a fungus that grows in the southwest United States and parts of Mexico and South America. This disease is caused by breathing dust containing the fungus. It can lead to serious lung and breathing problems. Rarely, the fungus can infect other body parts. This is called disseminated coccidioidomycosis (DCM). If the fungus stays in the lungs for more than 6 months, it is called refractory coccidioidomycosis (RCM). People with DCM or RCM may have difficulty fighting off infection because of immune system problems. Researchers want to study the immune systems of people with DCM or RCM, to learn more about the disease and the best ways to treat it. They also want to learn more about the types of people that get DCM or RCM and about the fungus that causes it. Objectives: \- To learn more about DCM and RCM, the fungus that causes these diseases, and the people who get them. Eligibility: \- People over age 2 with DCM or RCM. Design: * Participants will be screened with a review of their medical records. * At the initial visit, participants will have: * Medical history and physical exam * Blood and urine tests. Some blood may be used for genetic testing. The samples will not include participants names. Participants will be notified only if the tests show something urgent about their DCM/RCM. Researchers think this sort of problem will be rare. * Questionnaire about their DCM/RCM * Sputum (mucus) collection. They will spit into a cup. * Participants will have 1 follow-up visit per year. They will have blood tests. They may have other procedures to treat their DCM/RCM.


Eligibility

Min Age: 2 YearsMax Age: 100 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This NIH observational study is investigating why some people who are exposed to the Coccidioides fungus — which causes coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever) — develop severe disseminated or long-lasting lung infections while most people recover on their own, with a focus on immune system genetics and the fungus itself. Researchers want to identify immune system mutations and biological pathways that make people vulnerable to these severe forms, which could point to better treatment targets. People age 2 and older with laboratory-confirmed disseminated coccidioidomycosis (infection spreading outside the lungs) or refractory pulmonary coccidioidomycosis lasting more than 6 months are eligible, though those with HIV or on high-dose immunosuppressive therapy are excluded. Participation involves an initial visit with a physical exam, blood and urine tests (including genetic testing), and a sputum sample, followed by one blood draw per year at annual follow-up visits. This summary was prepared with AI assistance to help patients understand the study in plain language.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

Interested in this trial?

Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.


Locations(1)

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

Bethesda, Maryland, United States

View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov

For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.

Visit

NCT02190266