ABSTRACT
The genus Coccidioides includes the species C. immitis and C. posadasii, which exhibit very similar morphologic characteristics but have molecular polymorphism and different ecological preferences.1,2 Although phylogenetically different,2 C. immitis and C. posadasii cause coccidioidomycosis in both people and animals, which to date are apparently indistinct diseases when considering clinical manifestations and host immune response. The species are classi–ed as biosafety level 3 agents and are on the Select Agent List, according to the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA).
