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Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2011; 32(6): 764-774
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1295724
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Pulmonary Paracoccidioidomycosis

Flavio Queiroz-Telles1 , Dante L. Escuissato2
  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Public Health, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba–Parana, Brazil
  • 2Division of Radiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba–Parana, Brazil
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Publication History

Publication Date:
13 December 2011 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a subacute or chronic systemic mycosis caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, a soil saprophyte and thermally dimorphic fungus. The disease occurs mainly in rural workers in Latin America and is the most frequent endemic systemic mycosis in many countries of South America, where almost 10 million people are believed to be infected. Paracoccidioidomycosis should be regarded as a disease of travelers outside the endemic area. The primary pulmonary infection is subclinical in most cases, and individuals may remain infected throughout life without ever developing clinical signs. A small proportion of patients present with clinical disease. The lungs are frequently involved, and the pulmonary clinical manifestations must be differentiated from many other infectious and noninfectious conditions. Diagnosis should be based on epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological data. Effective treatment regimens are available to control the fungal infection, but most patients develop fibrotic sequelae that may severely hamper respiratory and adrenal function and the patient’s well-being.

KEYWORDS

Paracoccidioidomycosis - South American blastomycosis - Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, systemic mycosis

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Flavio Queiroz-TellesM.D. Ph.D. 

Department of Public Health, Hospital de Clinicas, Federal University of Parana, Rua General Carneiro

181, Curitiba–PR–Brazil 80060-900

Email: queiroz.telles@uol.com.br