Valley fever or dese rheumatism is caused by ?
**Core Concept**
Valley fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection caused by inhaling the spores of Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii. This infection primarily affects the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body, including the skin, bones, and brain.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii. These fungi are endemic to the southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America. When their spores are inhaled, they can cause an infection that leads to symptoms such as fever, cough, and chest pain. The infection can be severe in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or taking immunosuppressive medications.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because Histoplasma capsulatum is the fungus that causes histoplasmosis, a different type of fungal infection that affects the lungs.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because Blastomyces dermatitidis is the fungus that causes blastomycosis, another type of fungal infection that affects the lungs and skin.
**Option D:** This option is incorrect because Sporothrix schenckii is the fungus that causes sporotrichosis, a fungal infection that affects the skin and lymph nodes.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Valley fever is often misdiagnosed as tuberculosis or pneumonia due to its similar symptoms. However, it can be diagnosed with a skin test or blood tests that detect the presence of antibodies against Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii.
**Correct Answer: C. Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii**