Paracoccidioidomicose - Relevância do diagnóstico precoce

Abstract

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis endemic in Latin America. It is caused by the fungus of genus Paracoccidioides, which switch between two morphological forms according to temperature (thermal dimorphism): the mycelial form occurs at 25 °C and is found in soil, and the yeast form occurs at 37°C, being found in host tissues. The fungus can reach several tissues, but the lungs are the major sites of primary infection. Paracoccidioidomycosis presents a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. Often, these manifestations are similar to those of other diseases, which can lead to misdiagnosis of the PCM. Currently, paracoccidioidomycosis is the eighth leading cause of death from infectious and parasitic diseases in Brazil, although it is not classified as serious illness. Moreover, it is classified by the Commission on Macroeconomics and Health as "diseases Type II" - neglected. For this reason, the aim of this work was, through literature review, to reinforce the importance of correct and early diagnosis of this infection, factors that are essential to administration of the correct treatment and the establishment of appropriate control measures of this disease.