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Severe acute paracoccidioidomycosis in children
G Benard1, N M Orii, H H Marques
1Immunogenetics and Experimental Transplantation Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine of São Paulo University, Brazil.
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|June 1, 1994
Summary
Paracoccidioidomycosis is a severe fungal infection in children, causing disseminated disease and high mortality. Treatment may reverse immune defects, but further research is crucial.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic fungal infection endemic in Latin America.
- Pediatric cases are rare but can present with severe disseminated disease.
Observation:
- Five previously healthy children with disseminated paracoccidioidomycosis were studied.
- Clinical manifestations included fever, extensive adenopathy, osteoarticular lesions, skin eruptions, pericardial effusions, and pulmonary involvement.
Findings:
- Two children died despite treatment, indicating high morbidity and mortality.
- Immunological findings revealed variable lymphocyte responses and non-responsiveness to specific fungal antigens.
- Elevated immunoglobulin and antibody levels were observed, suggesting an antigen-specific immunodeficiency.
Implications:
- Pediatric paracoccidioidomycosis requires prompt diagnosis and aggressive management.
- The identified immune alterations appear reversible with treatment.
- Further research is essential to understand and improve outcomes for children with this mycosis.