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Paracoccidioidomycosis case series with and without central nervous system involvement

Vinicius Sousa Pietra Pedroso1, Ana Claudia Lyon, Stanley Almeida Araújo

  • 1Programa de Pós-Graduação em Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.

Revista Da Sociedade Brasileira De Medicina Tropical
|November 16, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Neuroparacoccidioidomycosis (NPMC), a severe form of Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), affects the central nervous system. Origin and family history may indicate susceptibility to this potentially fatal fungal infection.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a significant systemic mycosis in South America.
  • Central nervous system (CNS) involvement, known as neuroparacoccidioidomycosis (NPMC), is a critical and potentially fatal complication, occurring in up to 12.5% of PCM cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe eight cases of neuroparacoccidioidomycosis (NPMC).
  • To compare the characteristics of NPCM patients with those of PCM patients without neurological involvement.
  • To identify unique features associated with NPCM.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective cohort study of 213 PCM cases was conducted.
  • Data collected included epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, therapeutic, and follow-up information.
  • The study period spanned from October 1976 to August 2008 at the University Hospital, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Main Results:

  • Eight cases of NPCM were identified, representing a prevalence of 3.8%.
  • All NPCM patients presented with the parenchymatous form of the disease.
  • Differences in geographical origin and a positive family history of PCM were noted between NPCM and non-neurological PCM cases.

Conclusions:

  • Neurological findings are crucial in the clinical evaluation of PCM patients.
  • Patient origin and family history may be factors influencing susceptibility to neurological compromise in PCM.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the susceptibility factors involved in NPCM.

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