Paracoccidioidomycosis cases by Paracoccidioides lutzii in southeastern Brazil

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Kruschewsky, Wdson Luis Lima ; Patricio, Suzana Alves ; Bahiense, Isabela Cruz ; Maifrede, Simone Bravim ; Possa, Ana Paula ; de Camargo, Zoilo Pires ; Rodrigues, Anderson Messias ; Pecanha, Paulo Mendes ; Falqueto, Aloisio ; Grao-Velloso, Tania Regina ; Goncalves, Sarah Santos

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Brazilian Journal of Microbiology; v. N/A, p. 7-pg., 2023-06-08.

Abstract

Background and objectiveParacoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic fungal disease caused by the thermodimorphic fungi Paracoccidioides spp. Their distribution is highly variable. Paracoccidioides lutzii is predominantly found in North and Middle-West Brazil and Ecuador. This study evaluated the clinicopathological characteristics of 10 patients diagnosed with PCM caused by P. lutzii in a reference center located in southeastern Brazil.DesignDouble immunodiffusion assay (DID) was used to investigate 35 patients' sera with negative serology for P. brasiliensis against a P. lutzii CFA (cell-free antigen).ResultsOut of the 35 retested patients, 10 (28.6%) were positive for P. lutzii CFA. Four patients did not report any displacement to P. lutzii endemic areas. Our results reinforce the importance of using different antigens when testing patients with clinical manifestations of PCM and negative serological tests for P. brasiliensis, primarily in cases of the report of displacement to or former residence in P. lutzii endemic regions.ConclusionsThe availability of tests for different Paracoccidioides species antigens is fundamental for reaching an adequate diagnosis, patient follow-up, and definition of prognosis. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/21460-3 - Study of different antigenic preparations of Paracoccidioides lutzii for the standardization of the ELISA test as an aid in the diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis due to P. lutzii
• Grantee: Zoilo Pires de Camargo
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/27265-5 - Molecular epidemiology and genomic perspectives on the evolution and spread of emerging fungal pathogens
• Grantee: Anderson Messias Rodrigues
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants