Paracoccidioidomycosis (patient information)
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Danitza Lukac
Overview
Paracoccidioidomycosis is a long-term infection most commonly caused by breathing the spores of the fungus, Paracoccidioides spp.
What are the symptoms of Paracoccidioidomycosis?
It's important to know the symptoms of paracoccidioidomycosis and to seek medical help. Symptoms of paracoccidioidomycosis can include one or more of the following:
- Fever
- Lymph swelling
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness
- Weight loss
- Osteoarticular pain
- Osteoarticular tumefaction
- Skin lesions
- Dry cough
- Difficult breathing (dyspnea)
- Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
- Sputum production
- Difficulty or discomfort in swallowing (dysphagia)
What causes Paracoccidioidomycosis?
The fungus that cause paracoccidioidomycosis have been found in the soil of endemic areas, such as: Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina and Colombia. Most cases are caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. The rest of the cases are caused by Paracoccidioides lutzii. Spread of the bacteria from person to person does not occur. Most infections occur in men 30-60 years, although it can also occur in children and young adults. Typically, the disease is more severe in children.
Who is at highest risk?
Paracoccidioidomycosis tends to affect agriculture workers from southern Mexico to northern Argentina. Paracoccidioidomycosis is prevalent in Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and Argentina, and is classically associated with individuals from rural areas. Most infections occur in middle-aged men, although it can also occur in children and young adults. Typically, the disease is less severe in children. Risk factors include:
- Middle-aged men
- Poor hygiene
- Agriculture workers
- Malnutrition
- Cigarette smoking
- Alcoholism
Diagnosis
Tests that may be used to diagnose paracoccidioidomycosis include:
- Biopsy of infected tissue
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Chest CT scan
- Chest x-ray
- Sputum culture
- Paracoccidioidin skin test
When to seek urgent medical care?
Make an appointment with your health care provider if you have travelled or lived in an endemic area of paracoccidioidomycosis and develop any symptom.
Treatment options
The doctor will prescribe antifungal medications to control the infection. These medications must be taken for 6 months to 2 years.
Where to find medical care for Paracoccidioidomycosis?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Paracoccidioidomycosis
Prevention
There are no primary preventive measures available for paracoccidioidomycosis.
What to expect?
The infection usually goes away with antifungal medication, but some complications can occur. Paracoccidioidomycosis is unusual enough that if you develop it, your health care provider should check to find out whether another disease is weakening your immune system. Often, those who have had chronic paracoccidioidomycosis must follow up with their doctor, who will check for signs of relapse and sequela. In some cases, the infection can spread through the blood to other organs. People who have a suppressed immune system, children and young adults have a less favorable prognosis.
Possible complications
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Difficult breathing (dyspnea)
- Addison's disease
- Difficulty in speaking (Dysphonia)
- Laryngeal lesions
- Disorder in the nervous system
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paracoccidioidomycosis
- Pereira R, Bucaretchi F, Barison E, Hessel G, Tresoldi A. Paracoccidioidomycosis in children: Clinical presentation, follow-up and outcome. Rev. Inst. Med. trop. S. Paulo.2004;46(3):127-131.
- Vargas J, Vargas R. Paracoccidioidomicosis. Rev. enferm. infecc. trop. 2009;1(1):49-56
- Wanke B, Aidê M. Chapter 6 - Paracoccidioidomycosis. J. bras. pneumol. 2009; 35(12):1245-1249
- Barreto MM, Marchiori E, Amorim VB, Zanetti G, Takayassu TC, Escuissato DL et al. (2012). "Thoracic paracoccidioidomycosis: radiographic and CT findings.". Radiographics 32 (1): 71-84