An Observational Study to Assess the Prevalence and Outcomes of Primary Pulmonary Coccidioidomycosis in Persons Aged > / = 14 Years Presenting With Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) in Endemic Areas (SAnds-PPC)

This is an observational study in 750 individuals aged 14 years or older, diagnosed with Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) who meet all eligibility criteria in Coccidioides endemic regions. This study is designed to provide data on the prevalence of primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis among persons presenting with CAP in endemic regions. Among individuals diagnosed with primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis, we aim to describe the clinical course, predictors of the clinical course and compare the response to prescribed antifungal therapy versus no antifungal therapy. The hypothesis for patients with primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis is that early treatment with antifungal therapy is effective in reducing the frequency, severity and associated adverse outcomes of infection with recently acquired coccidioidomycosis pneumonia. The study will be divided into Step 1 and Step 2. Step 1 will identify which subjects have primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis based on the case definition for the protocol and Step 2 will follow subjects who meet the case definition and will observe their clinical management and clinical outcomes. Subjects will enroll in Step 1 within 28 days of symptom onset. In Step 1, blood work for serologic determination of Coccidioides infection will be drawn at the time of enrollment (Day 1), and again 21 days later if a positive result is not reported at Day 1. Subjects with a diagnosis of primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis confirmed by positive serologic testing during Step 1 will enter Step 2 within 21 days of a positive test result; subjects with a negative serology at Day 1 and Day 22 will not be followed further. Subjects referred to the study after a diagnosis of primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis confirmed by positive serologic testing will also be allowed to enter Step 2 directly within 21 days of a positive test result and within 7 weeks of symptom onset, as long as they meet study enrollment criteria. The primary objective is to assess the prevalence of primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis (PPC) in subjects with community acquired pneumonia (CAP) in coccidioidomycosis endemic areas. The secondary objectives are divided into two categories. For subjects with CAP in coccidioidomycosis endemic areas the secondary objectives are: 1) To determine demographic, clinical and laboratory factors that predict PPC; 2) To describe the practice of empiric antifungal treatment of subjects with CAP. For subjects with confirmed primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis the secondary objectives are: 1) To describe the clinical course of primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis from earliest presentation; 2) To assess the demographic, clinical, laboratory and treatment predictors of the clinical course of primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis; 3) To describe the practice of antifungal treatment of subjects with confirmed primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis; 4) To compare the outcomes of antifungal therapy vs. no therapy for primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis as measured by clinical signs and symptoms, functional scores of health and well-being and ability to participate in social roles and activities, time missed from school and work, dissemination, and mortality.

Inclusion criteria

Step 1 Subject Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged > / = 14 years and presenting for clinical care in coccidioidomycosis endemic areas.
• Diagnosis of community acquired pneumonia (CAP) established by a health care provider.
• Pulmonary opacity on chest X-ray or computerized tomography (CT) scan consistent with CAP.
• Onset of symptoms related to current CAP diagnosis within 28 days prior to enrollment.
• Must be able to understand the study and provide informed consent.*

*If aged < 18 years, the parent(s) or guardian must be able to understand the study and provide informed consent, with the assent of the minor.

• Willing and able to comply with study procedures and complete study visits.
• Willing to allow access to medical records, and medical records are available to the study team.

Step 2 Subject Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged > / = 14 years
• Presence of at least one influenza-like sign or symptom (e.g. fever, chest pain, cough, myalgia, arthralgia, and headache.
• Onset of any symptoms no earlier than 7 weeks prior to enrollment into Step 2.
• Opacity/pleural effusion diagnosed by chest radiograph or computerized tomography (CT) scan .
• Positive result for any serologic test confirming coccidioidomycosis obtained within 21 days prior to enrollment into Step 2.*

• The assays considered for this criterion are: coccidioidal immunoglobulin M (IgM) by immunodiffusion, enzyme immunoassay (EIA), latex agglutination or tube precipitin OR coccidioidal immunoglobulin G (IgG) by immunodiffusion, EIA, or complement fixation. The interpretation of positive or negative is per the reporting laboratory instructions
• Must be able to understand the study and provide informed consent.**

**If aged <18 years, the parent(s) or guardian must be able to understand the study and provide informed consent, with the assent of the minor.

• Willing and able to comply with study procedures and complete study visits.
• Willing to allow access to medical records, and medical records are available to the study team.

Exclusion criteria

Step 1 Subject Exclusion Criteria:

• Have documented microbiologically- or serologically-confirmed past infections with Coccidioides.*

*An initial positive serologic test obtained within 21 days inclusive prior to enrollment is permissible.

• Hospitalization within 14 days prior to the onset of pneumonia symptoms.
• Presence of cavitary lung disease.
• Evidence of disseminated, extrathoracic disease.

Step 2 Subject Exclusion Criteria:

• Have documented microbiologically- or serologically-confirmed past infections with Coccidioides.*

*An initial positive serologic test obtained within 21 days inclusive prior to enrollment is permissible.

• Presence of cavitary lung disease.
• Evidence of disseminated, extrathoracic disease.