Paracoccidioidomycosis

Introduction. 

This fungal infection is also known as South American blastomycosis and is endemic in South and Central America. 90% of affected patients are male.

Summary

• Cause: Paracoccidioides braziliensis
• Microscopy: Dimorphic fungus; "pilot-wheel" yeast form
• Symptoms:  Chronic respiratory symptoms, fibrotic lung lesions
• Transmission: Inhalation
• Complications: disseminated disease, mucosal lesions; dormancy
• Pathogenesis: survival in macrophages; dissemination
• Treatment: Itraconazole

References/Links

1. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Paracoccidioidomycosis_lesions.png