The threat of fungal infections, at least for some individuals, has lessened with the advent of newer HIV drugs. Coccidioidomycosis Coccidioidomycosis is a fungus found mainly in soil in the southwestern parts of the US, in Mexico, in Central America, and in parts of South America. During one part of this nasty germ s life, it is airborn and that s when it is most dangerous. Those with coccidioidomycosis have inhaled the fungus, making the lungs the most commonly affected part of the body, although the fungus can also invade the kidneys, lymph system, brain, and spleen. When it infects the lungs, the fungus is likely inhaled.
Typical symptoms are cough, weight loss, and fatigue.
If left untreated, meningitis is a commonly associated complication. The CDC also considers this fungus an AIDS-defining illness. There have been no studies on preventing coccidioidomycosis. Cryptococcal meningitis Cryptococcal meningitis is a yeast-like fungus infection found in soil around the world, especially in soil contaminated by bird droppings. This disease usually affects the brain and lungs and advance stages can involve almost any organ.