Paracoccidioidomycosis: Current Status and Future Trends

Abstract

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), initially reported in 1908 in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, by Adolpho Lutz, is primarily a systemic and neglected tropical mycosis that may affect individuals with certain risk factors around Latin America, especially Brazil. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis sensu stricto , a classical thermodimorphic fungus associated with PCM, was long considered to represent a monotypic taxon. However, advances in molecular taxonomy revealed several cryptic species, including Paracoccidioides americana , P. restrepiensis , P. venezuelensis , and P. lutzii , that show a preference for skin and mucous membranes, lymph nodes, and respiratory organs but can also affect many other organs.