Quant Imaging Med Surg 2017 Jun;7(3):318-325

Department of Internal Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

Background: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate differences in lung damage in patients with paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) in two endemic regions of Brazil (Botucatu, SP, in the southeastern region and Campo Grande, MS, in the west central region).

Methods: The study sought to objectively quantify fibrosis and emphysema treated patients using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) that was performed according to an established and validated computational method. The analysis was based on clinical data that were associated with objective quantifications of pulmonary sequelae. Read More

Lett Appl Microbiol 2017 Aug 10. Epub 2017 Aug 10.

Laboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e Protozoários, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - campus Diadema. Rua São Nicolau, 210, 4 andar, CEP, 09913-030, Diadema, São Paulo, Brasil.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic granulomatous disease endemic in Latin America whose aetiologic agents are the thermodimorphic fungi Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and Paracoccidioides lutzii. Despite technological advances, some problems have been reported for the fungal antigens used for serological diagnosis, and inconsistencies among laboratories have been reported. The use of synthetic peptides in the serological diagnosis of infectious diseases has proved to be a valuable strategy because in some cases, the reactions are more specific and sensitive. Read More

Front Immunol 2017 24;8:880. Epub 2017 Jul 24.

Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.

In infectious diseases, the enzyme indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase-1 (IDO1) that catalyzes the tryptophan (Trp) degradation along the kynurenines (Kyn) pathway has two main functions, the control of pathogen growth by reducing available Trp and immune regulation mediated by the Kyn-mediated expansion of regulatory T (Treg) cells via aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). In pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) caused by the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, IDO1 was shown to control the disease severity of both resistant and susceptible mice to the infection; however, only in resistant mice, IDO1 is induced by TGF-β signaling that confers a stable tolerogenic phenotype to dendritic cells (DCs). In addition, in pulmonary PCM, the tolerogenic function of plasmacytoid dendritic cells was linked to the IDO1 activity. Read More

Lancet Infect Dis 2017 Jul 31. Epub 2017 Jul 31.

Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Fungi often infect mammalian hosts via the respiratory route, but traumatic transcutaneous implantation is also an important source of infections. Environmental exposure to spores of pathogenic fungi can result in subclinical and unrecognised syndromes, allergic manifestations, and even overt disease. After traumatic cutaneous inoculation, several fungi can cause neglected mycoses such as sporotrichosis, chromoblastomycosis, mycetoma, entomophthoramycosis, and lacaziosis. Read More

Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017 Jul 24. Epub 2017 Jul 24.

Infectious Diseases and Dermatology Units of the Hospital Universitário Cassiano Antônio Moraes, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is an endemic disease in the southeast region of Brazil, which includes the state of Espírito Santo (ES). This historic case series analyses 546 patients treated in this state from 1978 to 2012. Patients aged from 7 to 83 years, 509 males and 37 females, yielding a ratio of 13. Read More

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2017 Jul 20. Epub 2017 Jul 20.

Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil.

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic fungal disease occurring in Latin America that is associated with rural environments and agricultural activities. However, the incidence and prevalence of paracoccidiodomycosis is underestimated because of the lack of compulsory notification. If paracoccidiodomycosis is not diagnosed and treated early and adequately, the endemic fungal infection could result in serious sequelae. Read More

Front Immunol 2017 10;8:786. Epub 2017 Jul 10.

Department of Immunology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.

The NOD-like receptor P3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is an intracellular multimeric complex that triggers the activation of inflammatory caspases and the maturation of IL-1β and IL-18, important cytokines for the innate immune response against pathogens. The functional NLRP3 inflammasome complex consists of NLRP3, the adaptor protein apoptosis-associated speck-like protein, and caspase-1. Various molecular mechanisms were associated with NLRP3 activation including the presence of extracellular ATP, recognized by the cell surface P2X7 receptor (P2X7R). Read More

Dis Aquat Organ 2017 Jul;125(2):141-153

Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker Street, NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30313, USA.

From 2003 to 2015, 360 free-ranging Atlantic bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus inhabiting the Indian River Lagoon (IRL, n = 246), Florida, and coastal waters of Charleston (CHS, n = 114), South Carolina, USA, were captured, given comprehensive health examinations, and released as part of a multidisciplinary and multi-institutional study of individual and population health. The aim of this review is to summarize the substantial health data generated by this study and to examine morbidity between capture sites and over time. The IRL and CHS dolphin populations are affected by complex infectious and neoplastic diseases often associated with immunologic disturbances. Read More

Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017 May 30. Epub 2017 May 30.

Julio Müller University Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiaba, Brazil.

According to the Brazilian Consensus on Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), itraconazole is the drug of choice for treatment. However, the combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (SMX-TMP) is most commonly used in clinical practice because of its higher availability in the public health services. The aims of this study were to evaluate the therapeutic response of patients with nonsevere chronic PCM to SMX-TMP and highlight the factors related to treatment failure. Read More

MBio 2017 Jul 18;8(4). Epub 2017 Jul 18.

Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil

Among the endemic deep mycoses in Latin America, paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), caused by thermodimorphic fungi of the Paracoccidioides genus, is a major cause of morbidity. Disease development and its manifestations are associated with both host and fungal factors. Concerning the latter, several recent studies have employed the methodology of gene modulation in P. Read More

Virulence 2017 Jul 13:1-18. Epub 2017 Jul 13.

a Laboratório de Biologia Molecular , Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás , Campus Samambaia s/n, Goiânia , Goiás , Brazil.

Paracoccidoides brasiliensis and Paracoccidioides lutzii, the etiologic agents of paracoccidioidomycosis, cause disease in healthy and immunocompromised persons in Latin America. We developed a method for harvesting P. brasiliensis yeast cells from infected murine lung to facilitate in vivo transcriptional and proteomic profiling. Read More

Front Immunol 2017 28;8:735. Epub 2017 Jun 28.

LKS Faculty of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.

The global burden of fungal diseases has been increasing, as a result of the expanding number of susceptible individuals including people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hematopoietic stem cell or organ transplant recipients, patients with malignancies or immunological conditions receiving immunosuppressive treatment, premature neonates, and the elderly. Opportunistic fungal pathogens such as Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Rhizopus, and Pneumocystis jiroveci are distributed worldwide and constitute the majority of invasive fungal infections (IFIs). Dimorphic fungi such as Histoplasma capsulatum, Coccidioides spp. Read More

Front Microbiol 2017 14;8:1057. Epub 2017 Jun 14.

Laboratory of Medical Mycology, Tropical Medicine Institute USP-LIM53, University of São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is an endemic systemic mycosis in Latin America, with the highest prevalence in Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. Fungi of the Paracoccidioides genus are etiologic agents of the disease. The 15 amino acid peptide P10 is derived from gp43, the main diagnostic antigen of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Read More

Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017 Jun 26. Epub 2017 Jun 26.

Department of Chemistry, State University of Maringá, Av. Colombo 5790, 87020-900, Maringá, PR, Brazil.

This work evaluated new potential inhibitors of the enzyme homoserine dehydrogenase (HSD) from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, one of the etiological agent of paracoccidioidomycosis. The tertiary structure of the protein bonded to the analogue NAD and L-homoserine was modeled by homology. The best output model was subjected to gradient minimization, redocking and molecular dynamics. Read More

Mycopathologia 2017 Jun 23. Epub 2017 Jun 23.

Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Cidade Universitária s/n, Campo Grande, 79070-900, Brazil.

Background: We estimated the occurrence rate of the booster phenomenon by using an intradermal test with 43 kDa glycoprotein in an endemic area of paracoccidioidomycosis in the central-west region of Brazil.

Methods: Individuals who had a negative result on a survey performed by using an intradermal test with 43 kDa glycoprotein in an endemic area of paracoccidioidomycosis underwent a second intradermal test after 10-15 days to determine the presence or absence of the booster phenomenon. Statistical analyses were performed using the Chi-square test, Chi-square for linear trend test, Student's t test, and binomial test; p < 0. Read More

Med Mycol 2017 Jun 15. Epub 2017 Jun 15.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a fungal disease restricted to Latin countries, and its etiologic agents derive from the Paracoccidioides genus. Attenuation or loss of virulence in Paracoccidioides spp. following successive subculturing has been described. Read More

Acta Trop 2017 Sep 9;173:185-190. Epub 2017 Jun 9.

Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Distrito de Rubião Junior s/n, 18618-970, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis caused by fungi from the genus Paracoccidioides in Latin America. PCM-patients (PCM-p) are classified as having acute/subacute or chronic (CF) clinical forms. CF is responsible for 75%-90% of all cases, affects mainly adults over 30 years old and the clinical manifestation are associated mainly with lungs and mucosa of upper airdigestive tract. Read More

Mycopathologia 2017 Jun 9. Epub 2017 Jun 9.

Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Lineu Prestes, 580, Bloco 17, São Paulo, CEP: 05508-900, Brazil.

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis of deep nature that primarily affects the lung and can spread via lymphatic and hematogenous to other organs and tissues. It is mainly caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis fungus which exhibits thermal dimorphism. The innate immune system mediated by macrophages is extremely important for the control of infection and is involved in the induction and regulation of immune/inflammatory response. Read More

Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2017 Jun 1;59:e36. Epub 2017 Jun 1.

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Serviço de Dermatologia, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

This study reports two cases of chronic paracoccidioidomycosis with sarcoid-like cutaneous lesions. The patients began the treatment in 2013 at Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho (HUCFF) of the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). The first case (mild form) was treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (8 mg /kg per day, orally) for three months and, then, with half the dose for nine months; the second (moderate form), with itraconazole (200 mg per day, orally) for 12 months. Read More

Methods Mol Biol 2017 ;1625:213-224

Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida dos Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brasil.

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. Read More

Methods Mol Biol 2017 ;1625:159-167

Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, São Paulo, SP, 14049-900, Brazil.

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. Read More

Methods Mol Biol 2017 ;1625:113-128

Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Botucatu 862, 8th floor, São Paulo, 04021-001, Brazil.

The chapter reviews methods utilized for the isolation and characterization of a promising immunogen candidate, aiming at a human vaccine against paracoccidioidomycosis. Peptide P10 carries a T-CD4+ epitope and was identified as an internal sequence of the major diagnostic antigen known as gp43 glycoprotein. It successfully treated massive intratracheal infections by virulent Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in combination with chemotherapy. Read More

Methods Mol Biol 2017 ;1625:85-96

Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil.

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). Read More

Methods Mol Biol 2017 ;1625:3-21

Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear (CDTN), Rua Professor Mário Werneck S/N°, Cidade Universitária-Campus da UFMG, 31120-970, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is the agent of paracoccidioidomycosis, the most prevalent mycosis in Latin America, and currently there is no effective vaccine. The present chapter describes the methodology to obtain radioattenuated yeast cells of P. brasiliensis and a protocol to evaluate protective response elicited by this immunogen in experimental paracoccidioidomycosis. Read More

Surg Neurol Int 2017 10;8:76. Epub 2017 May 10.

Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo State, São Paulo, Brazil.

Background: Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis of significant importance in some Latin American countries. The widespread use of neuroimaging methods has shown that involvement of the central nervous system was more frequent than previously reported. The most common form of occurrence of neuroparacoccidioidomycosis is the pseudotumoral one. Read More

Rev Iberoam Micol 2017 Jul - Sep;34(3):180-184. Epub 2017 Jun 3.

National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, INI/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Electronic address:

Background: Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis of acute and chronic evolution, caused by species belonging to the genus Paracoccidioides. It is considered the most prevalent systemic endemic mycosis in Latin America, with cases in the tropical and subtropical regions. Residual PCM refers to the fibrotic scar sequelae resulting from the disease treatment which, when associated with collagen accumulation, leads to functional and anatomic alterations in the organs. Read More

Mycopathologia 2017 Jun 2. Epub 2017 Jun 2.

Department of Inpatient Health Care, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a neglected systemic mycosis endemic to Latin America caused by dimorphic fungi of the genus Paracoccidioides. The acute juvenile PCM is a severe type of presentation that usually affects young vulnerable patients and rarely progresses to portal hypertension. Here, two cases of liver disease and portal hypertension as complications of acute juvenile PCM are reported. Read More

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2017 Mar-Apr;50(2):273-276

Disciplina de Dermatologia, Curso de Medicina, Universidade Nove de Julho, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.

Clinical presentation of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) can be diverse. Morphology and quantity of skin lesions depends on interactions between host immunity and fungus virulence. Diagnosis can be a challenge considering that this fungus has low virulence and some individuals have immunity to microorganism, which results in well-marked granulomas without visible microorganisms. Read More

Mediators Inflamm 2017 2;2017:5313691. Epub 2017 May 2.

Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, GTO, Mexico.

Paracoccidioides spp. are dimorphic fungal pathogens responsible for one of the most relevant systemic mycoses in Latin America, paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). Their exact ecological niche remains unknown; however, they have been isolated from soil samples and armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus), which have been proposed as animal reservoir for these fungi. Read More

Mycopathologia 2017 May 25. Epub 2017 May 25.

Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Sembaru, Nishihara-cho, Nakagusuku-gun, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan.

"Paracoccidioidomycosis ceti" is a rare zoonotic fungal infection affecting dolphins and is endemic worldwide. The causative agents are Paracoccidioides species; however, it is impossible to isolate the fungal species. We isolated Trichosporon asteroides from multifocal, irregularly raised skin lesions on a female bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) captured off coast of Japan, which was suspected to have "paracoccidioidomycosis ceti. Read More

Int J Biol Macromol 2017 Oct 22;103:683-691. Epub 2017 May 22.

Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Goiás, 74001-970 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.

The dimorphic fungi Paracoccidioides spp. are the etiological agents of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), a prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America. The Paracoccidioides lutzii response to oxidative stress is largely unexplored. Read More

Dermatol Online J 2017 Apr 15;23(4). Epub 2017 Apr 15.

Department of Diagnosis and Surgery, Araraquara Dental School, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil.

We report a rare case of chronic paracoccidioidomycosis(PCM) in a woman with Crohn disease in the setting of treatment with azathioprine and mesalazine. Serum tests for antigens to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, Histoplasma capsulatum, and Aspergillus fumigatus were negative. An incisional biopsy of an oral lesion with periodic acid-schiff and Grocott-methenamine silver stains revealed chronic granulomatous inflammation with multinucleated giant cells with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis within the cytoplasm, confirming the diagnosis of PCM. Read More

Mycopathologia 2017 May 18. Epub 2017 May 18.

Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Campus Universitário, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil.

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis prevalent in Latin American countries, caused by the dimorphic fungi Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and P. lutzii. The habitat of these fungi in nature remains undefined, although it is believed that infection occurs by inhalation of infective propagules present in soil. Read More

Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017 May;96(5):1136-1138

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil.

AbstractParacoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. It occurs more frequently in its chronic form, which particularly affects male adults from rural areas. These patients present with pulmonary involvement and systemic symptoms. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017 May 10;11(5):e0005601. Epub 2017 May 10.

Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.

Background: Eosinophilia is a typical finding of the acute/juvenile form of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), a systemic mycosis endemic in Latin America. This clinical form is characterized by depressed cellular immune response and production of Th2 cytokines. Moreover, it has been shown that the increased number of eosinophils in peripheral blood of patients returns to normal values after antifungal treatment. Read More

Rev Gastroenterol Peru 2017 Jan-Mar;37(1):77-81

Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza. Lima, Perú.

Paracoccidioidomycosis is the most prevalent mycosis in South America. Mucocutaneous and lymph node involvement is the most frequent affectation of this disease in our country, with the intestinal commitment rarely reported. We report 4 cases of colonic manifestation with abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, and weight loss. Read More

Biomed Rep 2017 Mar 26;6(3):353-357. Epub 2017 Jan 26.

Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo 14800-901, Brazil.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs (length, 19-24 nucleotides) that regulate gene expression by either mRNA degradation or translational inhibition of proteins. Circulating miRNAs, which are extremely stable and protected from RNAse-mediated degradation in body fluids, have appeared as candidate biomarkers for numerous diseases. However, little is known about circulating miRNAs in fungal infections. Read More

Mycoses 2017 Aug 19;60(8):521-525. Epub 2017 Apr 19.

Department of Clinical Pathology and Surgery, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a rare fungal infection in the world, but endemic and acquired exclusively in Latin America, with the highest prevalence in South America and Brazil, particularly. Changes in oral cavity are common and constitute the first clinical manifestation in many patients. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of oral PCM and analyse the profile of the disease and patients. Read More

Braz J Med Biol Res 2017 Apr 3;50(4):e5928. Epub 2017 Apr 3.

Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil.

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and P. lutzii are fungi that cause paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), the most prevalent systemic mycosis in South America. For serological diagnosis, although 43-kDa glycoprotein (gp43) is regarded as highly specific for PCM, the occurrence of false negative reactions in sera from patients infected with P. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017 Mar 29;11(3):e0005500. Epub 2017 Mar 29.

Infectious Dermatology Clinical Research Laboratory, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Background: Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis caused by pathogenic dimorphic fungi of the genus Paracoccidioides. It is the most important systemic mycosis in Latin America and the leading cause of hospitalizations and death among them in Brazil. Acute PCM is less frequent but relevant because vulnerable young patients are affected and the severity is usually higher than that of the chronic type. Read More

Lasers Med Sci 2017 May 27;32(4):921-930. Epub 2017 Mar 27.

Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG), Alfenas, MG, Brazil.

The antifungal drug therapy often employed to treat paracoccidiodomycosis (PCM), an important neglected fungal systemic infection, leads to offensive adverse effects, besides being very long-lasting. In addition, PCM compromises the oral health of patients by leading to oral lesions that are very painful and disabling. In that way, photodynamic therapy (PDT) arises as a new promising adjuvant treatment for inactivating Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb), the responsible fungus for PCM, and also for helping the patients to deal with such debilitating oral lesions. Read More

Mycopathologia 2017 Aug 23;182(7-8):747-749. Epub 2017 Mar 23.

Área Micología, Instituto de Medicina Regional, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste-CONICET, Resistencia, Chaco, Argentina.

Paracoccidioidomycosis is an endemic mycosis caused by Paracoccidioides species limited to Latin America arising with the chronic form in 90% of cases. The capacity of microorganisms to form biofilms is considered of great importance medical since can contribute to the persistence and to the chronic state of the diseases. The ability of Paracoccidioides to form biofilm has been demonstrated in vitro. Read More

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2017 Jan-Feb;50(1):138-140

Departamento de Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a granulomatous systemic mycosis that is endemic in Latin America; it is an extremely rare infection following solid organ transplantation. In this study, we describe the first report of disseminated paracoccidioidomycosis in a 3-year-old girl who underwent liver transplantation 2 years previously. The radiologic diagnosis and patient follow-up are described. Read More

Mycopathologia 2017 Aug 21;182(7-8):633-643. Epub 2017 Mar 21.

Section of Infectious Diseases, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos 2350, Porto Alegre, RS, 90640-000, Brazil.

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is the etiologic agent of paracoccidioidomycosis, the most prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America. The morbidity and mortality associated with paracoccidioidomycosis necessitate our understanding of fungal pathogenesis and discovering of new agents to treat this infection. Animal models have contributed much to the knowledge of fungal infections and their corresponding therapeutic treatments. Read More

Mycoses 2017 Jun 10;60(6):402-406. Epub 2017 Mar 10.

Center of Diagnosis in Veterinary Mycology, Department of Veterinary Preventive, Faculty of Veterinary, University Federal of Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis that occurs in several Latin American countries, especially in Brazil. It is caused by the thermo-dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides spp. Serological studies to detect animal infection represent an excellent strategy for data on the agent's ecology. Read More

Int J Antimicrob Agents 2017 Apr 6;49(4):465-471. Epub 2017 Mar 6.

Laboratório de Quimioterapia Antifúngica, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 1374, 05508-900, ICB II, Lab 150, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Electronic address:

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis caused by the dimorphic fungi Paracoccidioides spp. The duration of antifungal treatment ranges from months to years and relapses may nevertheless occur despite protracted therapy. Thus, there remains an urgent need for new therapeutic options. Read More

J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2017 15;23:11. Epub 2017 Feb 15.

Laboratory of Mycosis Immunodiagnosis, Center of Immunology, Adolfo Lutz Institute, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 355, 11o andar, sala 1117 São Paulo, SP Brazil.

Background: Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a neglected systemic mycosis caused by a dimorphic fungus of the Paracoccidioides genus. The standard diagnosis is based on isolation of the fungi in culture, and by microscopic visualization of characteristic multiple budding yeast cells in biological samples. However, in some situations, access to the site of injury prevents the collection of biological material. Read More

Bull Soc Pathol Exot 2017 Feb 11;110(1):80-84. Epub 2017 Feb 11.

Service de parasitologie-mycologie, Hôpital Saint Antoine, 184 rue du Faubourg Saint Antoine, 75012, Paris, France.

Various infectious agents are classical risk factors for cancer including bacteria, viruses and parasites. There is less evidence concerning the implication of fungal infection in carcinogenesis. The role of chronic Candida infection in the development of squamous cell carcinoma has been suspected for years. Read More

Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2017 Feb;112(2):140-145

Universidade Estadual Paulista, Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu, Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Botucatu, SP, Brasil.

Background: Fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) associated with Tyramide Signal Amplification (TSA) using oligonucleotides labeled with non-radioactive fluorophores is a promising technique for detection and differentiation of fungal species in environmental or clinical samples, being suitable for microorganisms which are difficult or even impossible to culture.

Objective: In this study, we aimed to standardise an in situ hybridisation technique for the differentiation between the pathogenic species Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and Paracoccidioides lutzii, by using species-specific DNA probes targeting the internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS-1) of the rRNA gene.

Methods: Yeast and mycelial phase of each Paracoccidioides species, were tested by two different detection/differentiation techniques: TSA-FISH for P. Read More

Fungal Genet Biol 2017 Mar 16;100:22-32. Epub 2017 Jan 16.

Cellular and Molecular Biology Unit, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia; School of Microbiology, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia; MICROBA Research Group, School of Microbiology, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia. Electronic address:

Dimorphic human pathogenic fungi interact with host effector cells resisting their microbicidal mechanisms. Yeast cells are able of surviving within the tough environment of the phagolysosome by expressing an antioxidant defense system that provides protection against host-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS). This includes the production of catalases (CATs). Read More