Paracoccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection that is caused by a specific fungus. This is the fungus called Paracoccidioides. Those who live in Central and South America or who are planning to visit this part of the world can be exposed to this fungus and potentially suffer from a fungal infection related to exposure to its spores.
Paracoccidioidomycosis does not cause symptoms in most people who are exposed. However, it can cause some people to develop lung and skin health issues. The most common symptoms of this kind of infection are:
In adults with this infection, the lungs are the most likely to be affected and mouth and throat lesions are often secondary to lung health issues. Children usually have swollen lymph nodes and skin lesions when they have Paracoccidioidomycosis. People who have weakened immune systems might be more prone to expressing all symptoms related to this kind of fungal infection, but even those without primary health conditions can experience severe symptoms from exposure to this fungus.
Paracoccidioidomycosis is caused by exposure to Paracoccidioides. The specific habitat of the fungus is not known at this time, but it is often found in soil near armadillo burrows, and people who work outside in rural areas are much more likely to be exposed to it and become sick. Breathing in the spores of this fungus causes systemic and lung symptoms, exposure to the fungus on the skin can lead to a milder version of symptoms of the infection.
The risk factors for this fungal infection are:
This kind of fungal infection cannot be spread from person to person, so you will not need to worry about caring for someone in your home who has Paracoccidioidomycosis.
Diagnosis of this condition is usually made using a variety of different methods. A full medical history will be taken, including questions about travel to Central and South America or work in rural areas where Paracoccidioides might be present. Imaging tests like chest X-rays are usually taken to verify the condition of the lungs. A lung biopsy can also be taken to ensure that the lung tissues are not damaged and to check for other potential complications that might be causing symptoms. Blood tests can help diagnose this condition.
Prevention of Paracoccidioidomycosis is usually quite simple. Since there are only a few places in the world where this fungus exists, it is easy to avoid activities that might expose you to it unless you work in rural areas in these regions of the world. If you do live or work in these kinds of conditions in South or Central America, you should speak with your doctor about the best ways to prevent inhalation of the fungal spores that cause this illness.
Treatment of Paracoccidioidomycosis is usually fairly simple. Patients are given antifungal medications like itraconazole or amphotericin B. You might also be given TMP/SMX, which are sulpha-based antibiotics. These medications usually need to be taken for a year to completely eradicate the infection. Both adult patients and children can be treated using these medications.