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Endemic pemphigus foliaceus (fogo selvagem) in native Americans from Brazil
H Friedman1, I Campbell, R Rocha-Alvarez
1Universidade de Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro.
Background:
Fogo selvagem (FS) is an autoimmune disease that is endemic in certain regions of Brazil and appears to be precipitated by an environmental factor.
Objective:
Our purpose was to confirm the occurrence and prevalence of FS in a population of Xavante Indians living in an endemic region of central Brazil.
Methods:
Clinical, anthropologic, and immunologic studies were carried out in patients and in normal inhabitants of the Pimentel Barbosa Indian Reservation, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
Results:
FS was identified and confirmed in 10 patients from a patient pool of 295 with various skin diseases. The Xavante settlement has a total population of 746. Anti-desmoglein 1 autoantibodies were detected in all patients with FS and were absent from more than 300 serum samples collected from randomly selected unaffected persons.
Conclusion:
FS is strongly linked to outdoor activities and is largely restricted to immunogenetically predisposed persons. FS appears to have been endemic in certain regions of South America for several centuries.
Insights
Fogo selvagem (FS), an autoimmune skin disease, was confirmed in Xavante Indians in Brazil. The study found a strong link between FS, outdoor activities, and genetic predisposition.
Area of Science:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Dermatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Fogo selvagem (FS) is an endemic autoimmune disease in specific Brazilian regions.
- An environmental trigger is suspected in FS development.
- Previous research suggests a geographic and environmental link to FS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm the presence and prevalence of Fogo selvagem (FS) in the Xavante Indian population.
- To investigate the occurrence of FS in a central Brazilian endemic area.
- To understand the epidemiological characteristics of FS in an indigenous community.
Main Methods:
- Conducted clinical, anthropologic, and immunologic studies.
- Examined patients with various skin diseases and healthy inhabitants.
- Collected serum samples for autoantibody detection.
Main Results:
- Fogo selvagem (FS) was identified in 10 out of 295 patients.
- Anti-desmoglein 1 autoantibodies were present in all FS patients.
- These autoantibodies were absent in over 300 healthy individuals.
Conclusions:
- Fogo selvagem (FS) is strongly associated with outdoor activities.
- Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in FS susceptibility.
- FS has been endemic in parts of South America for centuries.