VALLEY FEVER – SCOENCE & TECHNOLOGY

VALLEY FEVER – SCOENCE & TECHNOLOGY

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

 

What’s in the news?

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).

 

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/top-signs-and-symptoms-of-valley-fever-spreading-in-california/articleshow/113122534.cms