Paracoccidioidomycosis in the United States (South American Blastomycosis)

Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Coccidioidomycosis and Paracoccidioidomycosis

Coccidioidomycosis (CM) and paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) are systemic mycoses that are highly endemic in Latin America and have recently been included on the World Health Organization (WHO) Fungal Priority Pathogens List. Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii are recognized as etiological agents of CM, with peculiarities in their geographic distribution. The genus Paracoccidioides now includes Paracoccidioides lutzii and the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis complex, which encompasses four phylogenetic species. In both diseases, pulmonary signs and symptoms are the main reasons for patients to seek medical assistance, and they are frequently misdiagnosed as tuberculosis. In this paper, we present a critical view of the strategies for diagnosis and clinical management of CM and PCM. Over the past few decades, there has been an increase in the number of reports of endemic fungal infections in areas previously thought to be "non-endemic" due to climate change and increased travel, among other factors. Learning to recognize their main epidemiological aspects and clinical manifestations is crucial so that clinicians can include them in the differential diagnosis of lung disease and avoid late diagnosis.

Paracoccidioidomycosis: What We Know and What Is New in Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis endemic to Latin America caused by thermodimorphic fungi of the genus Paracoccidioides. In the last two decades, enhanced understanding of the phylogenetic species concept and molecular variations has led to changes in this genus’ taxonomic classification. Although the impact of the new species on clinical presentation and treatment remains unclear, they can influence diagnosis when serological methods are employed. Further, although the infection is usually acquired in rural areas, the symptoms may manifest years or decades later when the patient might be living in the city or even in another country outside the endemic region. Brazil accounts for 80% of PCM cases worldwide, and its incidence is rising in the northern part of the country (Amazon region), owing to new settlements and deforestation, whereas it is decreasing in the south, owing to agriculture mechanization and urbanization. Clusters of the acute/subacute form are also emerging in areas with major human intervention and climate change. Advances in diagnostic methods (molecular and immunological techniques and biomarkers) remain scarce, and even the reference center’s diagnostics are based mainly on direct microscopic examination. Classical imaging findings in the lungs include interstitial bilateral infiltrates, and eventually, enlargement or calcification of adrenals and intraparenchymal central nervous system lesions are also present. Besides itraconazole, cotrimoxazole, and amphotericin B, new azoles may be an alternative when the previous ones are not tolerated, although few studies have investigated their use in treating PCM.

Eyelid involvement in paracoccidioidomycosis

PURPOSE

To describe a series of patients with eyelid lesions caused by paracoccidioidomycosis and to estimate the prevalence of eyelid involvement in this disease

METHODS

The medical records of 439 patients with paracoccidioidomycosis admitted to our hospital from 1992 to 2002 were reviewed. Age, sex, and clinical forms of the disease were recorded. All patients with eyelid involvement had a skin biopsy positive for paracoccidioidomycosis and were examined by an ophthalmologist with oculoplastic training.

RESULTS

Of 439 patients with acute, subacute, or chronic paracoccidioidomycosis, 11 (2.5%) had eyelid involvement. Active lesions ranged from erythematous patches of madarosis to frank destructive ulcers indistinguishable from malignancies. Healed lesions were characterized by a high degree of fibrosis. Cicatricial changes induced eyelid malpositions (entropion or ectropion) and fusion of eyelid tissues to the globe. Madarosis was a constant finding in the inactive lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of eyelid involvement in paracoccidioidomycosis is low. Isolated active lesions are usually diagnosed as malignant tumors. Cicatricial changes are characterized by a high degree of fibrosis. If not treated, the mycosis can destroy the eyelid.

South American blastomycosis presenting as a posterior fossa tumor. Case report

An unusual case of infection of the central nervous system by Paracoccidioides braziliensis, presenting as posterior fossa tumor, is discussed and the pertinent literature reviewed.