Outcomes of Coccidioides Seropositive Solid Organ Transplant Recipients After Self-discontinuation of Antifungal Prophylaxis: The EIA-IgM-only Conundrum.

Background: Solid organ transplant recipients are at risk of severe coccidioidomycosis and are given prophylaxis to mitigate the risk. Patients with seropositive testing typically receive lifelong prophylaxis; currently, this prophylaxis strategy includes patients who are positive only for IgM by enzyme immunoassay (EIA-IgM-only), although this result may be falsely positive.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study at a large-volume transplant center in an endemic coccidioidomycosis region to compare outcomes of non-lung transplant recipients who were seropositive for Coccidioides but discontinued prophylaxis (case patients) to outcomes of patients who continued prophylaxis (controls).

Improving Coccidioidomycosis Testing for Emergency Department Patients With Suspect Community-Acquired Pneumonia: Analysis of Provider Attitudes and the Effect of a Targeted Intervention.

Coccidioidomycosis is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia in endemic regions. Approximately 20 000 cases of coccidioidomycosis occur annually; however, this statistic is limited by a widespread lack of testing. Here, we analyze emergency medicine provider attitudes toward coccidioidal testing and assess the effect of an intervention to improve testing rates.

High school health education: The impact of medical student led instruction in northern Nevada high schools.

Health education is an important topic in high school given its lasting effect on learners. Medical students are in a unique position to deliver this curriculum as they can provide information from a relatable standpoint. Ten medical students created a health education program, The Healthier Nevada Project (HNVP), designed for high school students using four modules focused on adolescent public health concerns: substance use and addiction, exercise, personal relationships, and stress and mental health.