RESUMEN

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis caused by the dimorphic fungus within the genus Paracoccidioides, particularly Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. The traditional approach to treating this pulmonary infection involves prolonged therapy periods, ranging from weeks to years, often resulting in a notable frequency of disease relapse. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising avenue for developing novel antifungal therapies and effective vaccines. This is attributed to its capability to facilitate targeted drug and antigen delivery, thereby mitigating toxicity and treatment expenses. This study investigates the synergistic properties of the CHO-rPb27 vaccine nanoformulation against experimental PCM. The therapeutic efficacy of CHO-rPb27 treatment is juxtaposed with the prophylactic protocol. Our findings demonstrate that both protocols effectively control P. brasiliensis pulmonary infection by eliciting a robust cellular and humoral immune response. This response attenuates chronic tissue damage and mitigates pulmonary mechanical dysfunction in mice.

RESUMEN

RESUMEN La paracoccidioidomicosis es una micosis profunda sistémica, endémica en algunos países de Latinoamérica, de presentación clínica es de evolución aguda/subaguda, en nuestro país es el principal diagnóstico diferencial de la tuberculosis pulmonar. Se describe el caso clínico de un hombre de 48 años, procedente de zona rural, inmunocompetente, que se presentó clínicamente por dificultad respiratoria, pérdida de peso de forma progresiva y lesiones en mucosas oral; como hallazgos radiológicos presentó infiltrados reticulares bilaterales. Desde el punto de vista micológico se evidenció la presencia del microorganismo en diversas muestras biológicas: biopsias de lesiones orofaríngeas y estudio micológico del esputo. Se realizó tratamiento dirigido con antimicótico intravenoso presentando buena respuesta al mismo con mejoría clínica.

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ABSTRACT Paracoccidioidomycosis is a deep systemic mycosis, endemic in some Latin American countries, with an acute/subacute clinical presentation. In our country, it is the main differential diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. We describe the clinical case of a 48-year-old man from a rural area, immunocompetent, who presented clinically with respiratory distress, progressive weight loss and lesions in the oral mucosa; as radiological findings, he presented bilateral reticular infiltrates. From a mycological point of view, the presence of the microorganism was evidenced in various biological samples: biopsies of oropharyngeal lesions and mycological study of sputum. Targeted treatment with intravenous antifungals was performed, presenting a good response to it with clinical improvement.

RESUMEN

RESUMEN La Paracoccidioidomicosis (PCM), es una enfermedad sistémica endémica de países de América Latina, con alto impacto en términos de morbilidad, mortalidad y costos para el sistema de salud si los enfermos progresan a sus estadios avanzados. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo recopilar datos divulgados en publicaciones sobre casos autóctonos de PCM, desde los primeros casos diagnosticados en Paraguay, con una descripción del contexto histórico e identificando a los pioneros en el diagnóstico en Paraguay, siguiendo un orden cronológico, hasta los casos más recientemente informados. Metodología: búsqueda en bibliotecas nacionales y bases de datos online de casos de PCM en Paraguay, publicados en revistas científicas históricas nacionales y otras fuentes disponibles en formato impreso, y artículos científicos más recientes disponibles en formato electrónico, respectivamente. Resultados: Se identificaron 479 casos de PCM en publicaciones entre los años 1935 y 2023, correspondientes a casos autóctonos y cuyos diagnósticos fueron realizados en territorio paraguayo. El Dr. Juan Boggino y colaboradores fueron los responsables de los primeros diagnósticos en el país. La forma clínica predominante fue la crónica. La media de edad de 45,78 años. La gran mayoría de los pacientes diagnosticados fueron oriundos de la Región Oriental del país, predominantemente hombres agricultores. Conclusión: La PCM es una enfermedad endémica del Paraguay, desde los primeros casos diagnosticados y hasta hoy en día, son detectados pacientes con una evolución grave y discapacitante de la enfermedad, lo que demuestra la necesidad de la difusión de su conocimiento y ampliación de la capacidad diagnóstica precoz a nivel nacional. Debido a su pleomorfismo clínico y su capacidad de simular otras enfermedades, es importante incluir a la PCM como diagnostico diferencial de pacientes que presenten factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de la enfermedad.

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ABSTRACT Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic disease endemic to Latin American countries, with a high impact in terms of morbidity, mortality and costs for the health system if patients progress to advanced stages. This work aimed to collect data published in publications on autochthonous cases of PCM, from the first cases diagnosed in Paraguay, with a description of the historical context and identifying the pioneers in the diagnosis in Paraguay, following a chronological order, to the most recently reported cases. Methodology: search in national libraries and online databases of PCM cases in Paraguay, published in national historical scientific journals and other sources available in print format, and more recent scientific articles available in electronic format, respectively. Results: 479 cases of PCM were identified in publications between the years 1935 and 2023, corresponding to autochthonous cases and whose diagnoses were made in Paraguayan territory. Dr. Juan Boggino and collaborators were responsible for the first diagnoses in the country. The predominant clinical form was chronic. The average age was 45.78 years. The vast majority of patients diagnosed were from the Eastern Region of the country, predominantly male farmers. Conclusion: PCM is an endemic disease in Paraguay. Since the first cases were diagnosed and until today, patients with a severe and disabling course of the disease have been detected, which demonstrates the need to disseminate its knowledge and expand the early diagnostic capacity at the national level. Due to its clinical pleomorphism and its ability to simulate other diseases, it is important to include PCM as a differential diagnosis for patients who present risk factors for the development of the disease.

Asunto(s)

Hongos , Micosis , América del Sur , Hongos/patogenicidad , Humanos , Micosis/microbiología , América Central/epidemiología

Asunto(s)

Paracoccidioides , Paracoccidioidomicosis , Paracoccidioidomicosis/diagnóstico , Paracoccidioidomicosis/microbiología , Paracoccidioidomicosis/patología , Humanos , Paracoccidioides/aislamiento & purificación , Paracoccidioides/genética , Masculino , Enfermedades de la Boca/microbiología , Enfermedades de la Boca/diagnóstico , Enfermedades de la Boca/patología , Antifúngicos/uso terapéutico , Histocitoquímica , Microscopía , Persona de Mediana Edad

RESUMEN

Itraconazole (ITZ) is widely prescribed for the treatment of mycosis such as Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). However, it's related to toxicity and serious adverse events, such as Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). The objective is to describe a patient with PCM and CHF secondary to ITZ. Male, 50-years old, was diagnosed with chronic adult PCM and started ITZ 200 mg 12/12 h. After 2-months, acute CHF began without previous-heart disease. The electrocardiogram showed changes in ventricular repolarization and left anterior superior divisional block. Echocardiogram: slight reduction in left ventricular systolic function and ejection fraction of 51%. ITZ was replaced by trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. After a week, there was remission of symptoms. Despite thousands of patients around the world received ITZ, few cases of CHF were reported. It's dose dependent and improves when the drug is discontinuing. ITZ has negative inotropic effect and probably causes mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the intrinsic mechanisms are not yet completely understood.

Asunto(s)

Antifúngicos , Insuficiencia Cardíaca , Itraconazol , Paracoccidioidomicosis , Humanos , Masculino , Itraconazol/uso terapéutico , Itraconazol/efectos adversos , Paracoccidioidomicosis/tratamiento farmacológico , Paracoccidioidomicosis/complicaciones , Insuficiencia Cardíaca/tratamiento farmacológico , Persona de Mediana Edad , Antifúngicos/efectos adversos , Antifúngicos/uso terapéutico

RESUMEN

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic granulomatous mycosis prevalent in individuals who carry out rural activities. Its etiological agent is a thermodimorphic fungus belonging to the genus; Paracoccidioides spp. Seven species of this fungus are known: Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, Paracoccidioides lutzii, Paracoccidioides americana, Paracoccidioides restrepiensis, Paracoccidioides venezuelensis, Paracoccidioides loboi and Paracoccidioides ceti. For a long time, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis was attributed as the only causal agent of this mycosis. What is known about adhesins, virulence, escape mechanisms and fungal involvement with the host's immune system is correlated with the species Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Interactions between Paracoccidioides spp. and the host are complex and dynamic. The fungus needs nutrients for its needs and must adapt to a hostile environment, evading the host's immune system, thus enabling the development of the infectious process. On the other hand, the host's immune system recognizes Paracoccidioides spp. and employs all protective mechanisms to prevent fungal growth and consequently tissue invasion. Knowing this, understanding how Paracoccidioides spp. escapes the host's immune system, can help to understand the pathogenic mechanisms related to the development of the disease and, therefore, in the design of new specific treatment strategies. In this review we discuss these mechanisms and what are the adhesion molecules of Paracoccidioides spp. uses to escape the hostile environment imposed by the host's defense mechanisms; finally, we suggest how to neutralize them with new antifungal therapies.

Asunto(s)

Interacciones Huésped-Patógeno , Paracoccidioides , Paracoccidioidomicosis , Paracoccidioides/patogenicidad , Paracoccidioides/inmunología , Paracoccidioidomicosis/microbiología , Paracoccidioidomicosis/inmunología , Humanos , Virulencia , Evasión Inmune , Animales

RESUMEN

Aim: To search for potential inhibitors to homoserine dehydrogenase (HSD) in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis the causative agent of paracoccidioidomycosis, an infection with a high mortality rate in Brazil.Materials & methods: The enzyme was modeled and used in the virtual screening of the compounds. The library was first screened by the Autodock, in which 66 molecules were better ranked than substrate, and then, also evaluated by the Molegro and Gold programs.Results: The HS23 and HS87 molecules were selected in common by the three programs, and ADME/Tox evaluation indicates they are not toxic. The molecular dynamics of PbHSD bonded to ligands showed stable complexes until 50 ns. To validate the results, compounds were purchased for assays of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), synergic profile with Amphotericin B (AmB) and cytotoxicity. The two molecules presented MIC of 32 µg/ml and MFC of 64 µg/ml against the P. brasiliensis (strain Pb18). They also showed synergistic activity with AmB and a lack of toxicity against Hela and Vero cell lines.Conclusion: These results suggest that the HS23 and HS87 are promising candidates as PbHSD inhibitors and may be used as hits for the development of new drugs against paracoccidioidomycosis.

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[Box: see text].

Asunto(s)

Antifúngicos , Inhibidores Enzimáticos , Homoserina Deshidrogenasa , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Paracoccidioides , Paracoccidioides/efectos de los fármacos , Paracoccidioides/enzimología , Antifúngicos/farmacología , Antifúngicos/química , Humanos , Homoserina Deshidrogenasa/antagonistas & inhibidores , Homoserina Deshidrogenasa/metabolismo , Homoserina Deshidrogenasa/química , Inhibidores Enzimáticos/farmacología , Inhibidores Enzimáticos/química , Animales , Células Vero , Chlorocebus aethiops , Simulación del Acoplamiento Molecular , Paracoccidioidomicosis/tratamiento farmacológico , Paracoccidioidomicosis/microbiología , Células HeLa , Brasil , Anfotericina B/farmacología , Simulación de Dinámica Molecular , Simulación por Computador , Sinergismo Farmacológico , Proteínas Fúngicas/antagonistas & inhibidores , Proteínas Fúngicas/metabolismo , Proteínas Fúngicas/química

RESUMEN

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is an endemic fungal disease that occurs in Latin America and primarily affects humans. The disease has been rarely documented in non-human primates. This report details a disseminated and fatal case of PCM caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in a western black-handed tamarin (Saguinus niger) under human care. Histopathological examination revealed extensive pyogranulomatous inflammation in the lungs, spleen, liver, lymph nodes, kidneys, epididymis, right testicle, heart, adrenal gland and intestines, associated with characteristic yeast forms consistent with Paracoccidioides spp and confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Molecular analysis indicated a high nucleotide similarity with P. brasiliensis sequences for both the 18S rRNA and gp43 genes. This naturally occurring infection highlights the susceptibility of these animals to PCM and their role in ecoepidemiology warrants further investigation.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedades de los Monos , Paracoccidioidomicosis , Saguinus , Animales , Paracoccidioidomicosis/veterinaria , Enfermedades de los Monos/microbiología , Enfermedades de los Monos/patología , Masculino , Paracoccidioides

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), a systemic mycosis in Latin America, is regulated by suppressive mechanisms mediated by tolerogenic plasmacytoid-dendritic-cells and regulatory T-cells. Our recent studies revealed that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), are important mediators in PCM. Their suppressive activity on Th1/Th17 immunity was shown to be mediated by inhibitory effect of IL-10, IDO-1 and PD-L1. Studies revealed the chemotherapeutic drug 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) as a selective MDSC apoptosis-inducing agent, but its in vivo effect on infectious processes remains poorly investigated. METHODS: MDSCs and other leukocytes were evaluated in the lungs of 5-FU-treated mice after four, six, and eight weeks of P. brasiliensis infection. Disease severity and immunological response were evaluated in MDSCs-depleted. RESULTS: 5-FU treatment caused a significant reduction of pulmonary MDSCs and fungal loads. The specific depletion of MDSCs by 5-FU reduced all pulmonary CD4+ T-cell populations (Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg) resulting in improved tissue pathology and increased survival rates. Importantly, this reduction was concomitant with increased frequencies of Th1/Th17 cells and the increased levels of Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines in the lungs and liver of treated mice suggesting an early and efficient protective effect of these cells. Furthermore, the immuneprotection conferred by the specific depletion of MDSCs by 5FU treatment could be reversed by the adoptive transfer of MDSCs. CONCLUSIONS: 5-FU treatment depletes lung-MDSCs of P. brasiliensis-infected mice resulting in enhanced immunity. The protective effect of 5-FU treatment in pulmonary PCM suggests that the specific depletion of MDSCs can be viewed as a potential immunotherapeutic tool for PCM.

RESUMEN

Background: Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic endemic fungal disease prevalent in Latin America. Previous studies revealed that host immunity against PCM is tightly regulated by several suppressive mechanisms mediated by tolerogenic plasmacytoid dendritic cells, the enzyme 2,3 indoleamine dioxygenase (IDO-1), regulatory T-cells (Tregs), and through the recruitment and activation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). We have recently shown that Dectin-1, TLR2, and TLR4 signaling influence the IDO-1-mediated suppression caused by MDSCs. However, the contribution of these receptors in the production of important immunosuppressive molecules used by MDSCs has not yet been explored in pulmonary PCM. Methods: We evaluated the expression of PD-L1, IL-10, as well as nitrotyrosine by MDSCs after anti-Dectin-1, anti-TLR2, and anti-TLR4 antibody treatment followed by P. brasiliensis yeasts challenge in vitro. We also investigated the influence of PD-L1, IL-10, and nitrotyrosine in the suppressive activity of lung-infiltrating MDSCs of C57BL/6-WT, Dectin-1KO, TLR2KO, and TLR4KO mice after in vivo fungal infection. The suppressive activity of MDSCs was evaluated in cocultures of isolated MDSCs with activated T-cells. Results: A reduced expression of IL-10 and nitrotyrosine was observed after in vitro anti-Dectin-1 treatment of MDSCs challenged with fungal cells. This finding was further confirmed in vitro and in vivo by using Dectin-1KO mice. Furthermore, MDSCs derived from Dectin-1KO mice showed a significantly reduced immunosuppressive activity on the proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Blocking of TLR2 and TLR4 by mAbs and using MDSCs from TLR2KO and TLR4KO mice also reduced the production of suppressive molecules induced by fungal challenge. In vitro, MDSCs from TLR4KO mice presented a reduced suppressive capacity over the proliferation of CD4+ T-cells. Conclusion: We showed that the pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs) Dectin-1, TLR2, and TLR4 contribute to the suppressive activity of MDSCs by inducing the expression of several immunosuppressive molecules such as PD-L1, IL-10, and nitrotyrosine. This is the first demonstration of a complex network of PRRs signaling in the induction of several suppressive molecules by MDSCs and its contribution to the immunosuppressive mechanisms that control immunity and severity of pulmonary PCM.

Asunto(s)

Antígeno B7-H1 , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Interleucina-10 , Lectinas Tipo C , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Células Supresoras de Origen Mieloide , Paracoccidioidomicosis , Receptor Toll-Like 2 , Receptor Toll-Like 4 , Animales , Ratones , Interleucina-10/metabolismo , Receptor Toll-Like 2/metabolismo , Receptor Toll-Like 2/genética , Receptor Toll-Like 2/inmunología , Células Supresoras de Origen Mieloide/inmunología , Células Supresoras de Origen Mieloide/metabolismo , Receptor Toll-Like 4/metabolismo , Receptor Toll-Like 4/genética , Receptor Toll-Like 4/inmunología , Lectinas Tipo C/metabolismo , Lectinas Tipo C/genética , Antígeno B7-H1/metabolismo , Antígeno B7-H1/genética , Paracoccidioidomicosis/inmunología , Paracoccidioides/inmunología , Tirosina/análogos & derivados , Tirosina/metabolismo , Linfocitos T Reguladores/inmunología , Pulmón/inmunología , Pulmón/microbiología , Transducción de Señal , Masculino , Indolamina-Pirrol 2,3,-Dioxigenasa/metabolismo , Indolamina-Pirrol 2,3,-Dioxigenasa/genética , Ratones Noqueados

RESUMEN

Background: Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a severe granulomatous disease. The hallmark of this mycosis is fibrin degradation and granuloma formation as a result of a wound-healing process in the context of excessive inflammation. Therefore, as the content of collagen can be assessed by the methodology described in this manuscript, we propose that the content of hydroxyproline (HYP) be employed as a new and efficient measurement of granulomatous lesions developed. To estimate the level of HYP the major byproduct of the degradation process, we hypothesized that this simple and efficient technique could serve as a marker of disease severity. Methods: Five B10.A female mice were infected with P. brasiliensis and, after 15 days, the omentum was removed, subjected to histopathological analysis or processed (i.e. deproteinized and derivatized), and further analyzed on a reverse phase HPLC using a C-18 column. The omentum of five uninfected controls was also collected and similarly analyzed. Results: Infected mice showed numerous, disseminated paracoccidioidomycotic lesions, as well as marked collagen deposits, as observed in histopathologic analysis, and high levels of HYP. Normal uninfected mice showed no granulomas, little or no deposits of collagen fibers, and very low levels of HYP, as evaluated by HPLC. Our results show that the disease intensity as evaluated number and the morphology of the granulomatous lesions were correlated to the HYP levels using small tissue samples from the omentum, the main target organ of P. brasiliensis. Conclusions: Here we propose an alternative methodology to follow disease evolution and, to some extent, fungal load in experimental P. brasiliensis infection and suggest its usefulness to other diseases with pronounced fibrin degradation.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Celecoxib, an anti-inflammatory drug, combined therapies using antimicrobials and immune modulator drugs are being studied. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether Celecoxib has direct in vitro antifungal effect against the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, the causative agent of Paracoccidioidomycosis-(PCM) and also if it improves the in vivo activity of neutrophils-(PMN) in an experimental murine subcutaneous-(air pouch) model of the disease. METHODS: The antifungal activity of Celecoxib(6 mg/mL) on P. brasiliensis-(Pb18) was evaluated using the microdilution technique. Splenocytes co-cultured with Pb18 and treated with Celecoxib(6 mg/mL) were co-cultured for 24, 48 and 72-hours. Swiss mice were inoculated with Pb18 and treated with Celecoxib(6 mg/kg) in the subcutaneous air pouch. Neutrophils were collected from the air pouch. Mitochondrial activity, reactive oxygen production, catalase, peroxidase, cytokines and chemokines, nitrogen species, total protein, microbicidal activity of PMNs and viable Pb18 cells numbers were analyzed. RESULTS: Celecoxib had no cytotoxic effect on splenocytes co-cultured with Pb18, but had a marked direct antifungal effect, inhibiting fungal growth both in vitro and in vivo. Celecoxib interaction with immune system cells in the air pouch, it leads to activation of PMNs, as confirmed by several parameters (mitochondrial activity, reactive oxygen species, peroxidase, KC and IL-6 increase, killing constant and phagocytosis). Celecoxib was able to reduce IL-4, IL-10 and IL-12 cytokine production. The number of recovered viable Pb18 decreased dramatically. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of the direct antifungal activity of Celecoxib against P. brasiliensis. The use of Celecoxib opens a new possibility for future treatment of PCM.

Asunto(s)

Antifúngicos , Celecoxib , Neutrófilos , Paracoccidioides , Paracoccidioidomicosis , Animales , Paracoccidioides/efectos de los fármacos , Paracoccidioides/inmunología , Ratones , Celecoxib/farmacología , Neutrófilos/efectos de los fármacos , Neutrófilos/inmunología , Paracoccidioidomicosis/tratamiento farmacológico , Paracoccidioidomicosis/inmunología , Antifúngicos/farmacología , Antifúngicos/uso terapéutico , Citocinas/metabolismo , Células Cultivadas , Masculino , Bazo/inmunología , Bazo/citología , Bazo/efectos de los fármacos , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Paracoccidioidomycosis is a neglected tropical disease caused by fungi of the genus Paracoccidioides. A wide range of symptoms is related to the disease; however, lungs and skin are the sites predominantly affected. The disease is mostly seen in people living in rural areas in Latin America. CASE REPORT: We present a pediatric case of severe disseminated paracoccidioidomycosis that slowly responded to the antifungal treatment. Within three months, symptoms evolved into hepatosplenomegaly, necrotic cervical and abdominal lymph nodes, and splenic abscess. Clinical response to amphotericin B deoxycholate and itraconazole was slow, resulting in pleural and peritoneal cavity effusions, heart failure and shock. Amphotericin B deoxycholate was replaced by the liposomal formulation, with no response. Subsequently, prednisone was added to the treatment, which led to improvement in the clinical response. Serological Paracoccidioides antibody titers were atypical, with very low titers in the critical phase and significant increase during the convalescence phase. The infection was finally cleared up with amphotericin B deoxycholate, liposomal amphotericin B and the use of corticosteroids. Paracoccidioidomycosis serology was non-reactive two years post-discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the intense inflammatory response triggered by Paracoccidioides cells, giving low-dose prednisone for a short period of time modulated the inflammatory response and supported antifungal treatment.

Asunto(s)

Paracoccidioidomicosis , Prednisona , Humanos , Paracoccidioidomicosis/tratamiento farmacológico , Paracoccidioidomicosis/diagnóstico , Prednisona/uso terapéutico , Masculino , Lactante , Antifúngicos/uso terapéutico , Glucocorticoides/uso terapéutico , Paracoccidioides/aislamiento & purificación , Paracoccidioides/efectos de los fármacos , Anfotericina B/uso terapéutico

RESUMEN

We report an autochthonous case of mild unifocal chronic pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis in a 48-year-old previously healthy woman with no history of possible environmental exposures in endemic rural areas, supposedly resulting from reactivation of a latent pulmonary focus secondary to the use of methotrexate for the control of Chikungunya arthropathy. Laboratory investigation ruled out other immunosuppression. Her only symptoms were a dry cough and chest pain. Diagnosis confirmed by needle lung biopsy. There were no abnormalities on physical examination nor evidence of central nervous system involvement. MRI of the total abdomen showed no involvement of other organs. Computed chest tomography showed a favorable evolution under the use of itraconazole (200 mg/day). Different tomographic presentations findings are highlighted when performed before and after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: PCM should be considered even in a woman without a history of consistent environmental exposure and in a non-endemic geographic area.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedades Pulmonares Fúngicas , Metotrexato , Paracoccidioidomicosis , Humanos , Femenino , Paracoccidioidomicosis/tratamiento farmacológico , Persona de Mediana Edad , Metotrexato/uso terapéutico , Metotrexato/efectos adversos , Enfermedades Pulmonares Fúngicas/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedad Crónica , Itraconazol/uso terapéutico , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X , Antifúngicos/uso terapéutico , Inmunosupresores/efectos adversos , Inmunosupresores/uso terapéutico

RESUMEN

The impact of COVID-19 on paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) in Argentina and the consequences generated by the pandemic are discussed. From 2018 to 3 years after the pandemic declaration, 285 proven PCM patients were registered. No association between both diseases was documented. PCM frequency decreased to extremely low levels in 2020. Mandatory social isolation and the emotional and psychological effects generated under pandemic circumstances led to delays in diagnosis, severe disseminated cases, and other challenges for diagnosis in subsequent years. Probable underdiagnosis should be considered due to the overlap of clinical manifestations, the low index of suspicion and the lack of sensitive diagnostic tools.

Asunto(s)

COVID-19 , Paracoccidioidomicosis , Paracoccidioidomicosis/epidemiología , Paracoccidioidomicosis/diagnóstico , Paracoccidioidomicosis/complicaciones , Humanos , COVID-19/epidemiología , COVID-19/complicaciones , Argentina/epidemiología , Masculino , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Femenino , SARS-CoV-2 , Anciano , Adulto Joven , Pandemias , Adolescente , Diagnóstico Tardío

RESUMEN

Blood count is crucial for assessing bone marrow's cell production and differentiation during infections, gaging disease severity, and monitoring therapeutic responses. The profile of blood count in chronic forms of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) has been insufficiently explored. To better understand the changes in hematological cells in different stages of the PCM chronic form, we evaluated the blood count, including immature blood cells in automated equipment, before and during the treatment follow-up of 62 chronic PCM patients. Predominantly male (96.8%) with an average age of 54.3 (standard deviation SD 6.9) years, participants exhibited pre-treatment conditions such as anemia (45.2%), monocytosis (38.7%), and leukocytosis (17.7%), which became less frequent after clinical cure. Anemia was more prevalent in severe cases. Notably, hemoglobin and reticulocyte hemoglobin content increased, while leukocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, immature granulocytes, and platelets decreased. Chronic PCM induced manageable hematological abnormalities, mainly in the red blood series. Monocytosis, indicating monocytes' role in PCM's immune response, was frequent. Post-treatment, especially after achieving clinical cure, significant improvements were observed in various hematological indices, including immature granulocytes and reticulocyte hemoglobin content, underscoring the impact of infection on these parameters.

RESUMEN

The second international meeting on endemic mycoses of the Americas (IMEMA) and the first international symposium on implantation mycoses (ISIM) took place in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, on September 25-27, 2023. The conference provided a platform for researchers, clinicians, and experts to discuss the latest developments in the field of endemic and implantation mycoses. Topics included epidemiology, diagnostic advances, treatment strategies, and the impact of environmental factors on the spread of these fungal diseases. IMEMA and ISIM contributed to the regional discourse on the mycoses, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in addressing these public health challenges.

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IMEMA/ISIM, held in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, convened experts to discuss endemic and implantation mycoses, covering topics such as epidemiology, diagnostics, treatment, and advocacy. The event highlighted ongoing efforts in combating these diseases.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedades Endémicas , Micosis , Humanos , Micosis/epidemiología , Micosis/microbiología , Américas/epidemiología , Argentina/epidemiología , Infecciones Relacionadas con Prótesis/microbiología , Infecciones Relacionadas con Prótesis/epidemiología

RESUMEN

The epidemiological dynamics of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) has been changing over the years. We analyzed secondary public data from the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SIH/SUS), focusing on PCM-related hospitalizations and in-hospital deaths. In the period between 2010 and 2019, 396 hospitalizations and 30 deaths were related to PCM among 7 073 334 hospitalizations registered in Rio de Janeiro. We highlight the rising rates, reflecting the increase in the number of acute forms previously reported. Urgent public health policies are essential to prevent poor outcomes related to this neglected mycosis.

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Epidemiology of paracoccidioidomycosis has been changing in endemic areas. We analyzed secondary data on hospitalizations in Rio de Janeiro, an important endemic area. There is a trend on increasing rates of hospitalizations and in-hospital deaths mainly in the Metropolitan belt.

Asunto(s)

Mortalidad Hospitalaria , Hospitalización , Paracoccidioidomicosis , Brasil/epidemiología , Humanos , Paracoccidioidomicosis/epidemiología , Paracoccidioidomicosis/mortalidad , Hospitalización/estadística & datos numéricos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Femenino , Adulto , Anciano , Adolescente , Adulto Joven , Niño , Preescolar , Anciano de 80 o más Años

RESUMEN

We report a case of unusual paracoccidioidomycosis reactivation after eyebrow micropigmentation in a Brazilian patient. The cutaneous lesion was the only clinical manifestation. Direct cutaneous inoculation in dermal tissues with Paracoccidioides sp. is extremely rare, explaining why paracoccidioidomycosis is not classically considered a cutaneous implantation mycosis.