Coccidioidomycosis in human immunodeficiency virus-infected persons in Arizona, 1994-1997: Incidence, risk factors, and prevention

From 1 January 1995 through 31 June 1997, 153 cases of coccidioidomycosis i n human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons were identified in Ar izona (incidence, 41/1000 persons living with AIDS), A case-control study w as conducted to evaluate risk factors for coccidioidomycosis in HIV-infecte d persons. A case was defined as laboratory-confirmed, incident coccidioido mycosis in a person infected with HIV for greater than or equal to 3 months , and each case patient had 3 control patients matched by county, age group , sex, HIV/AIDS status, and CD4 lymphocyte count. Multivariable analysis id entified black race and a history of oropharyngeal or esophageal candidiasi s to be associated with increased risk of coccidioidomycosis; protease inhi bitor therapy was associated with a reduced risk. In persons with previous history of oropharyngeal or esophageal candidiasis, having received an azol e drug was associated with a reduced risk (odds ratio, 0.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.2-0.9; P = .04). Physicians may need to consider azole chemopro phylaxis for HIV-infected persons who live in areas of endemicity, have CD4 cell counts <200/mu L, are black, or have a history of thrush.