Paracoccidioidomycosis: What We Know and What Is New in Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Abstract

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis endemic to Latin America caused by thermodimorphic fungi of the genus Paracoccidioides. In the last two decades, enhanced understanding of the phylogenetic species concept and molecular variations has led to changes in this genus’ taxonomic classification. Although the impact of the new species on clinical presentation and treatment remains unclear, they can influence diagnosis when serological methods are employed. Further, although the infection is usually acquired in rural areas, the symptoms may manifest years or decades later when the patient might be living in the city or even in another country outside the endemic region. Brazil accounts for 80% of PCM cases worldwide, and its incidence is rising in the northern part of the country (Amazon region), owing to new settlements and deforestation, whereas it is decreasing in the south, owing to agriculture mechanization and urbanization. Clusters of the acute/subacute form are also emerging in areas with major human intervention and climate change. Advances in diagnostic methods (molecular and immunological techniques and biomarkers) remain scarce, and even the reference center’s diagnostics are based mainly on direct microscopic examination. Classical imaging findings in the lungs include interstitial bilateral infiltrates, and eventually, enlargement or calcification of adrenals and intraparenchymal central nervous system lesions are also present. Besides itraconazole, cotrimoxazole, and amphotericin B, new azoles may be an alternative when the previous ones are not tolerated, although few studies have investigated their use in treating PCM.