Paciente infectado com paracoccidioidomicose adquirida em ambiente urbano: relato de caso / Patient infected with paracoccidioidomycosis acquired in urban environment: case report / Paciente infectado con paracoccidioidomicosis adquirida en ambiente urbano: reporte de caso

Introdução: A paracoccidioidomicose é uma doença fúngica e sistêmica frequente no Brasil, presente, principalmente, entre trabalhadores das zonas rurais. Na maioria dos casos, o contágio ocorre pela inalação de esporos e a infecção primária regride de maneira espontânea, podendo haver recidiva da doença por conta da reativação de focos fúngicos latentes ou nova exposição. Objetivo: Relatar o caso de uma paciente com paracoccidioidomicose de forma crônica como forma de mostrar a importância do diagnóstico e tratamento no prognóstico. Resultado: Paciente do sexo feminino, vinte e seis anos, apresentou lesões cutâneas indolores em face e pescoço, com aspecto irregular, eritematoso, com fundo granuloso e secretivo purulento 4 meses antes da internação hospitalar que foram tratadas com antimicrobianos e corticoide tópico, além de estado febril e astenia cerca de uma semana antes da hospitalização. Ficou internada por 19 dias e durante esse período administrou-se anfotericina B, bem como, loratadina, dipirona e ondansetrona. Conclusão: O diagnóstico é fundamental para instalação do tratamento e, consequente, prognóstico, e apesar de haver um vasto arsenal terapêutico contra esta afecção, o tratamento é longo, podendo chegar até 18 meses, e, em seguida, o paciente, rotineiramente, deve ser reavaliado por critérios de cura, como clínicos, imunológicos e radiológicos.(AU)

Introduction: Paracoccidioidomycosis is a fungal and systemic disease common in Brazil, present mainly among workers in rural areas. In most cases, contagion occurs by inhaling spores and the primary infection regresses spontaneously, and the disease may recur due to reactivation of latent fungal foci or new exposure. Objective: To report the case of a patient with chronic paracoccidioidomycosis as a way to show the importance of diagnosis and treatment in the prognosis. Result: A twenty-six-year-old female patient presented with painless skin lesions on the face and neck, with an irregular, erythematous appearance, with a granular background and purulent secretion 4 months before hospital admission, which were treated with antimicrobials and topical corticosteroids, in addition to febrile state and asthenia about one week before hospitalization. She was hospitalized for 19 days and during this period amphotericin B was administered, as well as loratadine, dipyrone and ondansetron. Conclusion: The diagnosis is essential for the installation of the treatment and, consequently, the prognosis, and although there is a vast therapeutic arsenal against this condition, the treatment is long, reaching up to 18 months, and then the patient, routinely, must be reassessed by cure criteria, such as clinical, immunological and radiological.(AU)

Introducción: La paracoccidioidomicosis es una enfermedad fúngica y sistémica común en Brasil, presente principalmente entre los trabajadores de las áreas rurales. En la mayoría de los casos, el contagio se produce por inhalación de esporas y la infección primaria remite espontáneamente, pudiendo reaparecer la enfermedad por reactivación de focos fúngicos latentes o por nueva exposición. Objetivo: Reportar el caso de un paciente con paracoccidioidomicosis crónica como una forma de mostrar la importancia del diagnóstico y tratamiento en el pronóstico. Resultado: Paciente femenina de 26 años de edad que presenta lesiones cutáneas indoloras en cara y cuello, de aspecto irregular, eritematoso, de fondo granular y secreción purulenta 4 meses antes del ingreso hospitalario, las cuales fueron tratadas con antimicrobianos y tratamiento tópico. corticoides, además de estado febril y astenia aproximadamente una semana antes de la hospitalización. Estuvo hospitalizada durante 19 días y durante este período se le administró anfotericina B, así como loratadina, dipirona y ondansetrón. Conclusión: El diagnóstico es fundamental para la instalación del tratamiento y, en consecuencia, el pronóstico, y aunque existe un vasto arsenal terapéutico contra esta condición, el tratamiento es largo, llegando hasta los 18 meses, y luego el paciente, de forma rutinaria, debe ser reevaluado por criterios de curación, tales como clínicos, inmunológicos y radiológicos.(AU)

Multifocal Pseudotumorous Form of Neuroparacoccidioidomycosis in an Immunocompetent Patient: A Clinicopathological Review Based on a Case Report

Neuroparacoccidiodimycosis (NPDM) is an uncommon granulomatous disease, which more frequently affects immunocompromised male patients over 30 years of age in the course of chronic lung disease. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (PB) is an endemic fungus in Brazil, and grows as thick-walled yeast (with round to oval bodies) measuring 10 µm to 60 µm in diameter. Neuroparacoccidiodimycosi may develop many years after transmission and/or primary lung involvement. The authors describe a case of NPDM affecting a male patient, 52 years of age, farmer, heavy smoker, with clinical complaint of headache, asthenia, seizures, and prostration in the previous nine months. Upon physical examination, the patient presented regular general condition, without other relevant physical alterations. Computed tomography (CT) showed multiple bilateral pulmonary nodules associated to enlargement of the mediastinal lymph node. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CTscans of the central nervous system showed six heterogeneous nodular lesions compromising the frontal and parietal lobes, the largest one measuring 3.8 3.2 3.2 cm. The hypothesis of a neoplastic process compromising the lung and brain was considered. A biopsy of the mediastinal lymph node showed epithelioid granulomas, which exhibited round, thin-walled fungal structures in Grocott silver stain. The stereotactic biopsy of the frontal lesion was constituted by necrotic tissue admixed with some round to oval, thin-walled fungi measuring 10 µm to 60 µm, compatible with PB (identified on Grocott silver stain/confirmed in culture). The diagnosis of NPDM was then established. The employed therapeutic regimen was intravenous amphotericin B, itraconazole, and sulfamethoxazole-trimetropin. After ninety days of clinical follow-up, no episodes of seizures/neurological deficits were identified, and a marked decrease in the number and size of the lung and brain lesions were found.

Identification of Potentially Therapeutic Immunogenic Peptides From Paracoccidioides lutzii Species.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is an endemic mycosis in Latin America caused by the thermodimorphic fungi of the genus Paracoccidioides spp. Paracoccidioides lutzii (PL) is one of the 5 species that constitute the Paracoccidioides genus. PL expresses low amounts of glycoprotein (Gp) 43 (PLGp43) and PLGp43 displays few epitopes in common with the P. brasiliensis (PB) immunodominant antigen PBGp43, which is commonly used for serological diagnosis of PCM. This difference in structure between the glycoproteins markedly reduces the efficiency of serological diagnosis in patients infected with PL. We previously demonstrated that peptide 10 (P10) from the PBGp43 induces protective immune responses in in vitro and in vivo models of PB PCM. Since, P10 has proven to be a promising therapeutic to combat PB, we sought to identify peptides in PL that could similarly be applied for the treatment of PCM. PL yeast cell proteins were isolated from PL: dendritic cell co-cultures and subjected to immunoproteomics. This approach identified 18 PL peptides that demonstrated in silico predictions for immunogenicity. Eight of the most promising peptides were synthesized and applied to lymphocytes obtained from peptide-immunized or PL-infected mice as well as to in vitro cultures with peptides or dendritic cells pulsed the peptides. The peptides LBR5, LBR6 and LBR8 efficiently promoted CD4+ and CD8+ T cell proliferation and dendritic cells pulsed with LBR1, LBR3, LBR7 or LBR8 stimulated CD4+ T cell proliferation. We observed increases of IFN-γ in the supernatants from primed T cells for the conditions with peptides without or with dendritic cells, although IL-2 levels only increased in response to LBR8. These novel immunogenic peptides derived from PL will be employed to develop new peptide vaccine approaches and the proteins from which they are derived can be used to develop new diagnostic assays for PL and possibly other Paracoccidioides spp. These findings identify and characterize new peptides with a promising therapeutic profile for future against this important neglected systemic mycosis.

Paracoccidioimycosis and white individuals: Susceptibility and biogeographic aspects in an important endemic area in Brazil.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a neglected mycosis most commonly occurring in Latin America. The etiologic agents are thermo dimorphic fungi of the genus Paracoccidioides, and cause an important granulomatous response in affected tissues. The Botucatu Medical School, from São Paulo State University (UNESP), is a PCM study pole, located in São Paulo State Midwest region, which is classified as a hyperendemic area in the Southeast region in Brazil. This study aimed to perform a retrospective epidemiological, geographical, and clinical analysis by the information available in medical records. It was listed as socio-demographic data along with clinical characteristics from patients diagnosed and treated during a 10-year period in Botucatu, totaling 177 patients with Paracoccidioidomycosis confirmed by the histopathological test. It was observed that the main clinical presentation was the chronic type (76,3%), most commonly identified in white male individuals over the age of 29 years old, smokers, and alcoholics, providing evidences for the first time that white individuals were more affected by the disease, in comparison to non-white individuals that may be more resistant to infection. This data opens new avenues for study within ancestry, resistance and susceptibility in paracoccidioidomycosis.

Virulence factors of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis as therapeutic targets: a review.

Paracoccidiodomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis caused by the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and Paracoccidioides lutzii. The disease requires long and complicated treatment. The aim of this review is to address the fungal virulence factors that could be the target of the development of new drugs for PCM treatment. Virulence factors favoring the process of fungal infection and pathogenicity are considered as a microbial attribute associated with host susceptibility. P. brasiliensis has some known virulence factors which are 43 kDa glycoprotein (gp 43) which is an important fungal antigen, 70 kDa glycoprotein (gp 70), the carbohydrates constituting the fungal cell wall α-1,3, glucan and ß-1,3-glucan, cell adhesion molecules and the presence of melanin pigments. The discovery and development of drugs that interact with these factors, such as inhibitors of ß-1,3-glucan, reduced synthesis of gp 43, inhibitors of melanin production, is of great importance for the treatment of PCM. The study of virulence factors favors the understanding of pathogen-host relationships, aiming to evaluate the possibility of developing new therapeutic targets and mechanisms that these molecules play in the infectious process, favoring the design of a more specific treatment for this disease.

Biliary Paracoccidioidomycosis: An Unusual Infection Simulating Malignant Neoplasm.

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic granulomatous disease caused by the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and is restricted to Latin America. It normally affects lungs, skin and lymph nodes. Abdominal organs are usually not involved. In rare cases paracoccidioidomycosis may simulate neoplasm. Herein we describe our experience with four cases of paracoccidioidomycosis mimicking cholangiocarcinoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest case series on this subject produced in English. Paracoccidioidomycosis must be considered as a differential diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma, especially in individuals who come from endemic areas.

Neuroparacoccidioidomicosis: para tener presente / Neuroparacoccidiodomycosis to keep in mind:

La paracoccidioidomicosis (PCM) es una micosis endémica de zonas tropicales y subtropicales, con mayor prevalencia en América Latina, producida por especies del género Para-coccidioides. Es una micosis profunda sistémica que en su forma crónica afecta principalmente a varones adultos. La afectación del sistema nervioso central (SNC) está descrita en un 10-27%. Nosotros presentamos dos casos con mani-festación neurológica al ingreso

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is an endemic mycosis, from tropical and subtropical zones, with a higher prevalence in Latin America, produced by species of the genus Paracoccidioides. It is a deep chronic systemic my-cosis, which mainly affects adult males. The involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) is described in 10-27%. We present two cases with neurological manifestation upon admission.

[Brazilian guidelines for the clinical management of paracoccidioidomycosis]. / II Consenso Brasileiro em Paracoccidioidomicose - 2017.

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic fungal disease associated with agricultural activities. Its incidence and prevalence are underestimated because of the lack of reporting in several Brazilian states. If paracoccidiodomycosis is not diagnosed and treated early and adequately, endemic fungal infection may result in serious sequelae. In addition to the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (P. brasiliensis) complex, the appearance of a new species, Paracoccidioides lutzii (P. lutzii), in Rondônia state, where the disease has reached epidemic levels, and in the country's Midwest region and Pará state, are challenges to diagnosis and to the urgent availability of antigens that are reactive with patients' sera. These guidelines aim to update the first Brazilian consensus on paracoccidioidomycosis by providing evidence-based recommendations for bedside patient management. The guidelines provide data on etiology, epidemiology, immunopathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and sequelae, with emphasis on diagnosis and treatment, as well as current recommendations and challenges in this field of knowledge.

A paracoccidioidomicose (PCM) é uma micose sistêmica, relacionada às atividades agrícolas, com incidência e prevalência subestimadas, pela ausência de notificação em várias Unidades da Federação (UFs). A evolução insidiosa do quadro clínico pode ter como consequência sequelas graves se o diagnóstico e o tratamento não forem instituídos precoce e adequadamente. Ao lado do complexo Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (P. brasiliensis), a descrição de nova espécie, Paracoccidioides lutzii (P. lutzii), em Rondônia, onde a doença alcançou níveis epidêmicos, bem como na região Centro-Oeste e no Pará, constituem-se em desafios para a instituição do diagnóstico e a urgente disponibilização de antígenos que tenham reatividade com os soros dos pacientes. Este consenso visa atualizar o primeiro consenso brasileiro em PCM, estabelecendo recomendações para o manejo clínico do paciente, com base nas evidências conhecidas. São apresentados dados de etiologia, epidemiologia, imunopatogenia, diagnóstico, terapêutica e sequelas, enfatizando-se o diagnóstico e a terapêutica, bem como recomendações e desafios atuais nessa área do conhecimento.

La paracoccidioidomicosis es una micosis sistémica, relacionada con las actividades agrícolas, con incidencia y prevalencia subestimadas por la ausencia de notificación en varios estados. La evolución insidiosa del cuadro clínico puede tener como consecuencia secuelas graves si el diagnóstico y el tratamiento no se establecen precoz y adecuadamente. Al lado del complejo Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (P. brasiliensis), la descripción de nueva especie, Paracoccidioides lutzii (P. lutzii) en Rondonia, donde la enfermedad alcanzó niveles epidémicos, y en la región Centro Oeste y en Pará, se constituyen en desafíos para la institución del diagnóstico y la urgente puesta a disposición de antígenos que tengan reactividad con los sueros de los pacientes. El presente consenso tiene por objeto actualizar el primer consenso brasileño en paracoccidioidomicosis, estableciendo recomendaciones para el manejo del paciente al borde del lecho, con base en las evidencias conocidas. Se presentan datos de etiología, epidemiología, inmunopatogenia, diagnóstico, terapéutica y secuelas, enfatizando el diagnóstico y terapéutica, así como recomendaciones desafíos y actuales en esta área del conocimiento.

[Paracoccidioidomycosis: chronicle of a neglected disease]. / Paracoccidioidomicosis: crónica de una enfermedad olvidada.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is among the systemic mycoses which are endemic only in Latin America. In Argentina, the vast majority of the cases are reported at north of latitude 34.5° S. The disease is produced by thermodimorphic fungi of the genus Paracoccidoides: P. brasiliensis (S1), P. americana (PS2), P. restrepiensis (PS3), P. venezuelensis (PS4) y P. lutzii. The natural habitat of members of this genus is the soil, where they produce infectious conidia. Little is known, however, about their specific ecologic niche(s), and this knowledge gap hampers the design of measures to control the infection. Rural male workers are the group most at risk of developing PCM. Infection occurs by inhalation of aerosolized conidia and may either be asymptomatic or cause mild respiratory symptoms. In turn, this primary infection may be self-limited or progress to severe pulmonary or disseminated disease. The disease has two clinical presentations: (i) acute or subacute (juvenile), frequent in children, adolescents and people with immunodeficiencies; and (ii) chronic progressive, in adults. Active lesions often resolve into fibrotic scars which can cause dysphagia, dysphonia, adrenal insufficiency, and intestinal obstruction. Although efficient tools are available for diagnosis and treatment, the nonspecific nature of PCM clinical manifestations frequently delay the diagnosis. In addition, the poor adherence to long antifungal treatments allows the advance of the disease and the development of extensive fibrosis compromising severely and permanently respiratory and adrenal functions, thus altering the patient"s quality of life and even causing his/her death.

Paracoccidioidomicosis: crónica de una enfermedad olvidada / Paracoccidioidomycosis: chronicle of a neglected disease

La paracoccidioidomicosis (PCM) es una de las micosis sistémicas que son endémicas exclusivamente en América Latina. Está causada por hongos termodimorfos del género Paracoccidoides: P. brasiliensis (S1), P. americana (PS2), P. restrepiensis (PS3), P. venezuelensis (PS4) y P. lutzii. Paracoccidioides habita y produce conidios infecciosos en suelos de zonas subtropicales húmedas. En Argentina está presente al norte del paralelo 34.5° S. Poco se sabe sobre su nicho ecológico específico, lo que dificulta el diseño de medidas de control de la PCM. La infección ocurre en hospederos susceptibles cuando inhalan conidios aerosolizados. Los trabajadores rurales varones son el grupo más expuesto a contraer PCM. La primoinfección puede ser asintomática o causar un cuadro respiratorio leve; este, a su vez, puede autolimitarse o progresar a enfermedad, ya sea pulmonar o diseminada. Existen dos formas de presentación: (i) aguda/subaguda, en niños, adolescentes y personas con sistemas inmunes comprometidos; y (ii) crónica progresiva, en adultos. La cicatrización de las lesiones resulta en secuelas fibróticas que pueden causar disfagia, disfonía, insuficiencia suprarrenal y obstrucción intestinal. Aunque existen herramientas para su diagnóstico, la PCM es rara vez sospechada precozmente porque sus manifestaciones clínicas iniciales son inespecíficas. Sumados, el diagnóstico tardío y la baja adherencia a los efectivos pero largos tratamientos antimicóticos permiten el avance de la enfermedad y el desarrollo de fibrosis tisular extensa, lo que compromete gravemente la función respiratoria y suprarrenal, altera permanentemente la calidad de vida del paciente y puede causar su muerte.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is among the systemic mycoses which are endemic only in Latin America. In Argentina, the vast majority of the cases are reported at north of latitude 34.5° S. The disease is produced by thermodimorphic fungi of the genus Paracoccidoides: P. brasiliensis (S1), P. americana (PS2), P. restrepiensis (PS3), P. venezuelensis (PS4) y P. lutzii. The natural habitat of members of this genus is the soil, where they produce infectious conidia. Little is known, however, about their specific ecologic niche(s), and this knowledge gap hampers the design of measures to control the infection. Rural male workers are the group most at risk of developing PCM. Infection occurs by inhalation of aerosolized conidia and may either be asymptomatic or cause mild respiratory symptoms. In turn, this primary infection may be self-limited or progress to severe pulmonary or disseminated disease. The disease has two clinical presentations: (i) acute or subacute (juvenile), frequent in children, adolescents and people with immunodeficiencies; and (ii) chronic progressive, in adults. Active lesions often resolve into fibrotic scars which can cause dysphagia, dysphonia, adrenal insufficiency, and intestinal obstruction. Although efficient tools are available for diagnosis and treatment, the nonspecific nature of PCM clinical manifestations frequently delay the diagnosis. In addition, the poor adherence to long antifungal treatments allows the advance of the disease and the development of extensive fibrosis compromising severely and permanently respiratory and adrenal functions, thus altering the patient´s quality of life and even causing his/her death.

Unusual Intestinal Involvement by Paracoccidioidomycosis Diagnosed After Oral Manifestation.

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a common deep fungus infection in South America, particularly in Brazil. It is acquired through inhalation and primary involvement of lungs. Subsequently, dissemination may occur and oral mucosa is frequently affected and actually, in most of the cases the diagnosis is established because of the oral lesions. Thus, the role of the dentist is fundamental to correct diagnosis. However, the involvement of intestine is rarely reported. The current case describes a 36-year-old man who presented abdominal pain and intestinal constipation, being suspected and then confirmed as paracoccidioidomycosis after already be diagnosed with this disease by a dentist through oral manifestations.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells transplantation alters the course of experimental paracoccidioidomycosis by exacerbating the chronic pulmonary inflammatory response.

Several studies have shown the potential use of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) as a therapeutic approach to infectious diseases. Since BM-MSCs can exert antimicrobial properties and influence the immune response against pathogens, our aim was to study the antimicrobial therapeutic potential of BM-MSCs in an experimental model of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). BM-MSCs were isolated from BALB/c donor mice. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis-infected male BALB/c mice were injected with purified BM-MSCs at 8th week post-infection. Mice were sacrificed at 12th week post-infection. Homing of BM-MSCs was confirmed by cellular labeling with fluorescent lipophilic dye and detected by flow cytometry. We found that, in comparison with nontransplanted infected animals, BM-MSCs-treated and P. brasiliensis-infected mice showed a significant increase in (i) fungal burdens, (ii) neutrophils, eosinophils and M2 macrophages counts, and (iii) interleukin (IL)-6, IL-9, GM-CSF, CXCL1, CXCL9, and CCL5 levels, while presenting a decrease in M1 macrophages and Treg cells in lungs. In addition, the histopathological analysis of the lungs showed an increased inflammatory process. This is the first study to our knowledge that evaluates the effects of BM-MSCs treatment in PCM. Our results indicate that the immunoregulatory function of BM-MSCs may be triggered by the interaction with P. brasiliensis, which exacerbates chronic pulmonary inflammatory response.

Impaired anti-fibrotic effect of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell in a mouse model of pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) have been consider as a promising therapy in fibrotic diseases. Experimental models suggest that BMMSCs may be used as an alternative therapy to treat chemical- or physical-induced pulmonary fibrosis. We investigated the anti-fibrotic potential of BMMSCs in an experimental model of lung fibrosis by infection with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. BMMSCs were isolated and purified from BALB/c mice using standardized methods. BALB/c male mice were inoculated by intranasal infection of 1.5x106 P. brasiliensis yeasts. Then, 1x106 BMMSCs were administered intra venous at 8th week post-infection (p.i.). An additional group of mice was treated with itraconazole (ITC) two weeks before BMMSCs administration. Animals were sacrificed at 12th week p.i. Histopathological examination, fibrocytes counts, soluble collagen and fibrosis-related genes expression in lungs were evaluated. Additionally, human fibroblasts were treated with homogenized lung supernatants (HLS) to determine induction of collagen expression. Histological analysis showed an increase of granulomatous inflammatory areas in BMMSCs-treated mice. A significant increase of fibrocytes count, soluble collagen and collagen-3α1, TGF-ß3, MMP-8 and MMP-15 genes expression were also observed in those mice. Interestingly, when combined therapy BMMSCs/ITC was used there is a decrease of TIMP-1 and MMP-13 gene expression in infected mice. Finally, human fibroblasts stimulated with HLS from infected and BMMSCs-transplanted mice showed a higher expression of collagen I. In conclusion, our findings indicate that late infusion of BMMSCs into mice infected with P. brasiliensis does not have any anti-fibrotic effect; possibly because their interaction with the fungus promotes collagen expression and tissue remodeling.

Heat Shock Proteins in Histoplasma and Paracoccidioides.

Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are highly conserved biomolecules that are constitutively expressed and generally upregulated in response to various stress conditions (biotic and abiotic). Hsps have diverse functions, categorizations, and classifications. Their adaptive expression in fungi indicates their significance in these diverse species, particularly in dimorphic pathogens. Histoplasma capsulatum and Paracoccidioides species are dimorphic fungi that are the causative agents of histoplasmosis and paracoccidioidomycosis, respectively. This minireview focuses on the pathobiology of Hsps, with particular emphasis on their roles in the morphogenesis and virulence of Histoplasma and Paracoccidioides and the potential roles of active and passive immunization against Hsps in protection against infection with these fungi.

Paracoccidioidomicosis en un hospital monovalente / PARACOCCIDIOIDIOMYCOSIS IN A SINGLE SPECIALITY HOSPITAL

La Paracoccidioidomicosis es la micosis endémica más frecuente en América latina en enfermos HIV negativos. Objetivo: analizar las características clínicas, epidemiológicas, evolución y tratamiento de los pacientes con diagnóstico de paracoccidioidomicosis asistidos en un hospital de referencia en enfermedades infecciosas en un período de 10 años. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo. Se analizaron las historias clínicas de 70 pacientes con diagnóstico de paracoccidioidomicosis en el período comprendido entre Enero de 2001 y Diciembre de 2010. Resultados: se incluyeron 70 pacientes. Cincuenta y nueve presentaron la forma crónica de la enfermedad, siete la infanto-juvenil y solo cuatro resultaron positivos para el HIV. La mayoría de los enfermos fueron de nuestro país y habían nacido en Chaco y Misiones. Veintiséis eran oriundos de Paraguay. El 81,4% de los casos tuvieron compromiso pulmonar y el patrón radiológico hilio-fugal, en "alas de mariposa", fue el más frecuente. Se observaron lesiones cutáneo-mucosas en 38,57% de los enfermos. El examen directo en fresco de esputo y la escarificación de las lesiones mucocutáneas resultó ser la prueba más útil para el diagnóstico de esta micosis endémica. La serología fue positiva en el 81,3 % de los pacientes con formas crónicas y en el 42,8% de la forma infanto-juvenil. La mayoría de los enfermos fueron tratados con itraconazol; sólo dos fallecieron. Conclusión: El diagnóstico de la paracoccidioidomicosis se basa principalmente en el examen microscópico directo; los cultivos de muestras clínicas pueden fallar. La paracoccidioidomicosis debe incluirse en el diagnóstico diferencial de los pacientes que provengan de áreas endémicas y presenten compromiso de piel, mucosas o del aparato respiratorio asociado a un síndrome infeccioso inespecífico

Paracoccidioidomycosis is the most frequent endemic mycosis in Latin America in HIV negative patients. Objective: to analyze the clinical, epidemiological and treatment characteristics and the evolution of patients with diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis. Materials and methods: Descriptive and retrospective study. The clinical records of 70 patients with paracoccidioidomycosis were analyzed in the period between January 2001 and December 2010. Results: 70 patients were included. Fifty-nine presented the chronic form, seven had the juvenile (acute) clinical picture and only four were HIV positive. The majority of the Argentinian patients had been born in Chaco and Misiones provinces. Twenty-six were from Paraguay. 81.4% of the patients had lung involvement, the "butterfly wing" pattern was the most frequent. Muco cutaneous lessions were observed in 38.57% of the patients. Wet mount microscopy examination of sputum and mucocutaneous scarification proved to be the most useful tests for the disease diagnosis Serology tests were positive in 81.3% of patients with the chronic form and in 42.8% of those with the juvenile clinical presentation. Most of the patients were treated with itraconazole. Only two deceased. Conclusion: The diagnosis of paracoccidiodomycosis is mainly based on direct microscopic examination of clinical smears. Cultures of clinical samples may fail. Paracoccidioidomycosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients who come from the endemic area and present skin, mucous membranes or respiratory system compromise associated with a non-specific infectious syndrome

DNAhsp65 Vaccine as Therapy against Paracoccidioidomycosis.

The conventional treatment for fungal diseases usually shows long periods of therapy and the high frequency of relapses and sequels. New strategies of the treatment are necessary. We have shown that the Mycobacterium leprae HSP65 gene can be successfully used as therapy against murine Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). Here, we described the methodology of DNAhsp65 immunotherapy in mice infected with the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, one of PCM agent, evaluating cytokines levels, fungal burden, and lung injury. Our results provide a new prospective on the immunotherapy of mycosis.

Th1-Inducing Agents in Prophylaxis and Therapy for Paracoccidioidomycosis.

Adjuvants and immunomodulatory molecules could be included in the treatment of P. brasiliensis infection. In this context, we reported that the therapeutic and/or prophylactic administration of Th1-inducing agents, such as immunomodulatory lectins and adjuvants, was able to provide protection against experimental paracoccidioidomycosis. Then, we described the protocols to investigate the effect of immunomodulatory agents on the course of P. brasiliensis infection. In this sense, we detailed the measurement of fungal burden and cytokine production, and the histopathological analysis used to evaluate the most effective administration regime.

Yeast Expressing Gp43 Protein as a Vaccine Against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis Infection.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) represents the most frequent systemic mycosis in Latin American. The disease is caused by the pathogenic thermally dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, and is initially characterized by pulmonary lesions, which can subsequently disseminate to other organs, resulting in secondary injuries. Although its high incidence, there is no commercially available vaccine against fungal diseases. A novel strategy, using Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast as a vehicle for immunization against PCM, was recently successfully described. Herein, we describe strategies for the construction of the suitable S. cerevisiae vaccine, and protocols of administration and evaluation of the efficacy of the vaccine against experimental PCM.

Paracoccidioidomycosis: current perspectives from Brazil

BACKGROUND: This review article summarizes and updates the knowledge on paracoccidioidomycosis. P lutzii and the cryptic species of P. brasiliensis and their geographical distribution in Latin America, explaining the difficulties observed in the serological diagnosis. OBJECTIVES: Emphasis has been placed on some genetic factors as predisposing condition for paracoccidioidomycosis. Veterinary aspects were focused, showing the wide distribution of infection among animals. The cell-mediated immunity was better characterized, incorporating the recent findings. METHODS: serological methods for diagnosis were also compared for their parameters of accuracy, including the analysis of relapse. RESULTS: Clinical forms have been better classified in order to include the pictures less frequently observesiod. CONCLUSION: Itraconazole and the trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole combination was compared regarding efficacy, effectiveness and safety, demonstrating that azole should be the first choice in the treatment of paracoccidioidomycosis.