Impact of COVID-19 on paracoccidioidomycosis. Which was the most influential: The pandemic or the virus?

The impact of COVID-19 on paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) in Argentina and the consequences generated by the pandemic are discussed. From 2018 to 3 years after the pandemic declaration, 285 proven PCM patients were registered. No association between both diseases was documented. PCM frequency decreased to extremely low levels in 2020. Mandatory social isolation and the emotional and psychological effects generated under pandemic circumstances led to delays in diagnosis, severe disseminated cases, and other challenges for diagnosis in subsequent years. Probable underdiagnosis should be considered due to the overlap of clinical manifestations, the low index of suspicion and the lack of sensitive diagnostic tools.

Epidemiology of coccidioidomycosis in Argentina, an update.

The National Reference Laboratory in Clinical Mycology of Argentina conducted a retrospective review of human coccidioidomycosis cases diagnosed by the National Mycology Laboratory Network of Argentina between 2010 and 2022 to determine the burden of the disease in the country. A total of 100 human coccidioidomycosis cases were documented, with a higher prevalence in male patients (male-to-female ratio of 1.9:1), with a median age of 41 years. Comparing the number of cases between two 10-year periods (2000-2009 and 2010-2019), the increase was 36.51% (from 63 to 86 cases). Among the 100 recorded cases, 79 tested positive using the double immunodiffusion test. Spherules were observed in 19 cases through histopathology or direct microscopic examination and the fungus was isolated in 39 cases. Thirty-six isolates were identified as Coccidioides posadasii through partial sequencing of the Ag2/PRA gene. Catamarca province had the highest number of cases, comprising 64% of the total, with an incidence rate above 1.0-2.5/100,000 inhabitants until 2018. However, there has been a recent downward trend in the region from 2018 to 2022. It is concerning that more than half of diagnosed cases were chronic pulmonary or disseminated forms, indicating a lack of early disease detection. To rectify this issue, it is imperative to conduct targeted training programs for healthcare personnel and enhance public awareness within the endemic area. This will contribute to a better understanding of the true burden of coccidioidomycosis and enable the implementation of appropriate sanitary control measures.

Clinical and Demographic Features of Paracoccidioidomycosis in Argentina: A Multicenter Study Analysis of 466 Cases.

Information on paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) in Argentina is fragmented and has historically been based on estimates, supported only by a series of a few reported cases. Considering the lack of global information, a national multicentric study in order to carry out a more comprehensive analysis was warranted. We present a data analysis including demographic and clinical aspects of a historical series of 466 cases recorded over 10 years (2012-2021). Patients were aged from 1 to 89 years. The general male: female (M:F) ratio was 9.5:1 with significant variation according to the age group. Interestingly, the age range 21-30 shows an M:F ratio of 2:1. Most of the cases (86%) were registered in northeast Argentina (NEA), showing hyperendemic areas in Chaco province with more than 2 cases per 10,000 inhabitants. The chronic clinical form occurred in 85.6% of cases and the acute/subacute form occurred in 14.4% of cases, but most of these juvenile type cases occurred in northwestern Argentina (NWA). In NEA, the incidence of the chronic form was 90.6%; in NWA, the acute/subacute form exceeded 37%. Diagnosis by microscopy showed 96% positivity but antibody detection displays 17% of false negatives. Tuberculosis was the most frequent comorbidity, but a diverse spectrum of bacterial, fungal, viral, parasitic, and other non-infectious comorbidities was recorded. This national multicenter registry was launched in order to better understand the current status of PCM in Argentina and shows the two endemic zones with a highly diverse epidemiology.

Evaluación clínica de factores de riesgo de enfermedad renal en Formosa (Argentina): a propósito del día mundial de riñón 2012 / Clinical evaluation of risk factors for renal disease in Formosa (Argentina): in connection with World Kidney Day 2012

Introducción: El Día Mundial del Riñón es una iniciativa de la Sociedad Internacional de Nefrología y la Federación internacional de Fundaciones Renales para disminuir problemas relacionados con la enfermedad renal y crear conciencia sobre este tema. En 2012, el Ministerio de Desarrollo Humano de Formosa, Argentina, organizó una evaluación clínica gratuita dirigida especialmente a quienes supieran que presentaban algún factor de riesgo para enfermedad renal. Método: Durante una semana, en 4 consultorios se entrevistó a los participantes. Se tomó nota de los antecedes, se midieron los siguientes parámetros: presión arterial, circunferencia abdominal, niveles de urea, creatinina y glucemia. Se realizaron ecografía renal y análisis de orina. Los resultados se analizaron estadísticamente. Resultados: Se tomaron los datos de 63 personas. Media de edad; 49.8 ± 14.2. Cuarenta y tres (68.3%) participantes informaron tener antecedentes patológicos. Catorce (22%) muestras de orina y 16 (25%) ecografías renales resultaron con indicadores de patología. Se detectaron 24 personas (38.1%) con HTA, 9 lo desconocían, 2 con diabetes no informada. Treinta y cuatro(54%) sujetos mostraron MDRD <- 80. Treinta y siete (58%) participantes con circunferencia abdominal mayor a los valores recomendados. Diez (15.9%) hombres presentaron creatinina >- 1,40/mg/dl y 3(4.8%) nivel de glucemia >- 126 mg/dI. Conclusión: Treinta y siete pacientes fueron invitados a consultar con un especialista por presentar indicador de insuficiencia renal o factor de riesgo. Se deberían repetir y ampliar estas acciones para diseñar programas sanitarios, detectar la enfermedad renal y crear conciencia sobre hábitos de vida saludable.(AU)

World Kidney Day is an initiative of the International Society of Nephrology and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations to reduce the impact of kidney disease and raise awareness about it. In 2012, the Ministry of Human Development of Formosa, Argentina, organized a free screening especially targeted to those who thought could had some risk factor for kidney disease. Methods: During the Kidney week 2012, 3 nephrologists and 1 general physician interviewed the participants. Blood pressure and abdominal circumference were measured; urine and blood samples were evaluated for urea, creatinine and glycaemia levels, and renal echography was performed. Results were statistically analyzed. Results: Data from 63 participants were used in this study. Mean age: 49.8 years ± 14.2. 14 (22%) urine samples showed pathological signs and 16(25%) renal ultrasound tests were pathological. 24(38.1%) presented HTA, 9 people were unaware of this condition. We found 2 cases of uninformed diabetes. 34(54%) participants had MDRD <-80 and 37(58.7%) had abdominal circumference above safe parameters. Ten men (15.9%) had creatinine >- 1,40/mg/dl and 3(4.8%) participants had glucose level >- 126 mg/dl. Conclusion: Thirty seven participants were referred to specialist. Screening should be carried out for early detection of kidney disease, to obtain information for the design and implementation of public health programs and to promote healthy habits.(AU)

Evaluación clínica de factores de riesgo de enfermedad renal en Formosa (Argentina): a propósito del día mundial de riñón 2012 / Clinical evaluation of risk factors for renal disease in Formosa (Argentina): in connection with World Kidney Day 2012

Introducción: El Día Mundial del Riñón es una iniciativa de la Sociedad Internacional de Nefrología y la Federación internacional de Fundaciones Renales para disminuir problemas relacionados con la enfermedad renal y crear conciencia sobre este tema. En 2012, el Ministerio de Desarrollo Humano de Formosa, Argentina, organizó una evaluación clínica gratuita dirigida especialmente a quienes supieran que presentaban algún factor de riesgo para enfermedad renal. Método: Durante una semana, en 4 consultorios se entrevistó a los participantes. Se tomó nota de los antecedes, se midieron los siguientes parámetros: presión arterial, circunferencia abdominal, niveles de urea, creatinina y glucemia. Se realizaron ecografía renal y análisis de orina. Los resultados se analizaron estadísticamente. Resultados: Se tomaron los datos de 63 personas. Media de edad; 49.8 ± 14.2. Cuarenta y tres (68.3%) participantes informaron tener antecedentes patológicos. Catorce (22%) muestras de orina y 16 (25%) ecografías renales resultaron con indicadores de patología. Se detectaron 24 personas (38.1%) con HTA, 9 lo desconocían, 2 con diabetes no informada. Treinta y cuatro(54%) sujetos mostraron MDRD <- 80. Treinta y siete (58%) participantes con circunferencia abdominal mayor a los valores recomendados. Diez (15.9%) hombres presentaron creatinina >- 1,40/mg/dl y 3(4.8%) nivel de glucemia >- 126 mg/dI. Conclusión: Treinta y siete pacientes fueron invitados a consultar con un especialista por presentar indicador de insuficiencia renal o factor de riesgo. Se deberían repetir y ampliar estas acciones para diseñar programas sanitarios, detectar la enfermedad renal y crear conciencia sobre hábitos de vida saludable.

World Kidney Day is an initiative of the International Society of Nephrology and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations to reduce the impact of kidney disease and raise awareness about it. In 2012, the Ministry of Human Development of Formosa, Argentina, organized a free screening especially targeted to those who thought could had some risk factor for kidney disease. Methods: During the Kidney week 2012, 3 nephrologists and 1 general physician interviewed the participants. Blood pressure and abdominal circumference were measured; urine and blood samples were evaluated for urea, creatinine and glycaemia levels, and renal echography was performed. Results were statistically analyzed. Results: Data from 63 participants were used in this study. Mean age: 49.8 years ± 14.2. 14 (22%) urine samples showed pathological signs and 16(25%) renal ultrasound tests were pathological. 24(38.1%) presented HTA, 9 people were unaware of this condition. We found 2 cases of uninformed diabetes. 34(54%) participants had MDRD <-80 and 37(58.7%) had abdominal circumference above safe parameters. Ten men (15.9%) had creatinine >- 1,40/mg/dl and 3(4.8%) participants had glucose level >- 126 mg/dl. Conclusion: Thirty seven participants were referred to specialist. Screening should be carried out for early detection of kidney disease, to obtain information for the design and implementation of public health programs and to promote healthy habits.