Paracoccidioides brasiliensis

From WikiMD.com - Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a thermally dimorphic fungus that is the causative agent of Paracoccidioidomycosis, a major endemic mycosis in Latin America. It is a member of the family Ajellomycetaceae and is found in soil and vegetation.

Life Cycle[edit | edit source]

The life cycle of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis involves a transition between a mycelial form at environmental temperatures (22-28°C) and a yeast form at body temperature (35-37°C) in mammalian hosts. This transition is critical for the pathogenicity of this fungus.

Pathogenesis and Clinical Manifestations[edit | edit source]

Infection with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis usually occurs through inhalation of airborne conidia. The conidia transform into yeast cells in the lungs and can disseminate to other parts of the body, causing systemic disease. Clinical manifestations of paracoccidioidomycosis can range from asymptomatic infection to severe, life-threatening disease. Symptoms can include chronic cough, weight loss, and skin lesions.

Diagnosis and Treatment[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis is typically made by identification of the characteristic multiple budding yeast cells in clinical specimens or by serologic testing. Treatment usually involves long-term therapy with antifungal drugs, such as itraconazole or sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim.

Epidemiology[edit | edit source]

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is endemic to Latin America, with the highest prevalence in Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, and Colombia. The disease is most common in rural areas among individuals involved in agricultural activities, particularly coffee cultivation.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Snöbollschampinjon, Iduns kokbok.jpg
This article is a stub related to fungus. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!


Stub icon
   This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!



WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP1 injections from $125

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program NYC and a clinic to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our W8MD's physician supervised medical weight loss centers in NYC provides expert medical guidance, and offers telemedicine options for convenience.

Why choose W8MD?

Book Your Appointment

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss, and Philadelphia medical weight loss Call (718)946-5500 for NY and 215 676 2334 for PA

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's NYC physician weight loss.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available. Call 718 946 5500.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD