Paracoccidioidomycosis.
Paracoccidioidomycosis is an endemic systemic mycosis that predominates in southern Mexico, parts of Central America, and South America. It is caused by a dimorphic fungus and is generally acquired through the lungs, from where it disseminates. Paracoccidioidomycosis has different clinical manifestations that require differentiation with tuberculosis, Hodgkin disease, several systemic and subcutaneous mycoses, and squamous cell carcinoma. Diagnosis is made by finding the organism in a biopsy specimen and isolating it in fungal culture. Treatment includes sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim for mild forms and itraconazole for moderate cases. Fluconazole and voriconazole can be used for meningeal involvement, and amphotericin B is indicated for severe disease.
Department of Dermatology and Radiotherapy, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua Costa Leite 515, 18600-010, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. marques@fmb.unsep.br
Sílvio Alencar
SA
Marques
D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010228:Paracoccidioides / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000472:pathogenicity; D010229:Paracoccidioidomycosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology
D000935:Antifungal Agents