Use

The test is used for the diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis, commonly known as Valley Fever, a fungal infection found in the Southwestern US, Central America, and South America. The infection is acquired by inhalation of arthroconidia of Coccidioides immitis/posadasii. It often presents as a mild, self-limiting pulmonary infection, but can progress to more severe forms including chronic pneumonia, resulting in fibronodular or cavitary disease. The test detects IgG antibodies by complement fixation and precipitating antibodies (IgM and IgG) by immunodiffusion, which can suggest active or recent infections, and help in monitoring the serological response of the patient.