Coccidioides is a genus of fungi that includes two species, Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii, which are the causative agents of coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley fever. This fungal infection primarily affects the lungs and can cause a range of symptoms including fever, cough, chest pain, and fatigue. Coccidioides fungi are typically found in the soil in arid regions, particularly in the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico and Central and South America. Research in this area focuses on understanding the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of coccidioidomycosis, as well as developing strategies for prevention and control of the disease.