Community-acquired fungal diseases.

The endemic mycoses--histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, and coccidioidomycosis-pose a common problem in the differential diagnosis of the atypical pneumonia syndrome. Careful exposure-and-travel history frequently serves as a strong clue to aid diagnosis. Careful interpretation of serologic data may be useful but seldom timely. In critically ill patients, invasive diagnostic tests are frequently needed.