Lacazia

Lacazia is a genus of fungi that is known to cause a skin disease known as Lobomycosis. This disease is also referred to as Jorge Lobo's disease, named after the Brazilian dermatologist who first described it. The genus Lacazia was named in honor of the Brazilian physician and mycologist Carlos da Silva Lacaz.

Taxonomy

The genus Lacazia belongs to the family Onygenaceae, in the order Onygenales, class Eurotiomycetes, phylum Ascomycota, and kingdom Fungi. It contains a single species, Lacazia loboi, which is the causative agent of Lobomycosis.

Disease

Lobomycosis, caused by Lacazia loboi, is a chronic skin disease that primarily affects humans and dolphins. It is characterized by the presence of keloidal lesions on the skin, which are often itchy and may become ulcerated. The disease is endemic in certain regions of Central and South America, particularly in the Amazon rainforest.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of Lobomycosis is typically made through histopathological examination of skin biopsy samples, which reveal the presence of yeast-like cells. Treatment is often challenging, as Lacazia loboi is resistant to most antifungal drugs. Surgical removal of the lesions is the most common form of treatment.

See Also

• Mycology
• Dermatology
• Tropical medicine