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Paracoccidioidomycosis associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Report of seven cases
S A Marques1, L O Conterno, L P Sgarbi
1Departamento de Dermatologia e Radioterapia da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu-UNESP, SP, Brasil.
Abstract:
We report the clinical findings and evolution of seven patients (five men and two women), the majority of them intravenous drug users, with paracoccidioidomycosis associated to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In four of the patients the paracoccidioidomycosis was restricted to the lung and in the three others was generalized with cutaneous involvement. Only two of them had lived recently in rural area, an indication of the possible reactivation of latent focal infection in the other five patients. The recognition of the role of cell-mediated immunity in host defense against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis leds to the prediction of a growing occurrence of the paracoccidioidomycosis-AIDS association in areas that are endemic for these diseases.
Insights
This study examines paracoccidioidomycosis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The findings highlight the increased risk and varied clinical presentations of this fungal infection in immunocompromised individuals.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Paracoccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection endemic to Latin America.
- Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) compromises cell-mediated immunity, increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
- The interaction between Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) warrants further investigation.
Observation:
- Seven patients with paracoccidioidomycosis and AIDS were analyzed.
- The majority of patients were intravenous drug users.
- Clinical presentations ranged from pulmonary-restricted disease to generalized infection with cutaneous involvement.
Findings:
- Five patients were presumed to have reactivation of latent infection, as only two had recent rural exposure.
- Pulmonary involvement was observed in four patients.
- Generalized disease with skin lesions occurred in three patients.
Implications:
- The study predicts an increase in paracoccidioidomycosis-AIDS co-infections in endemic regions.
- Understanding the role of cell-mediated immunity is crucial for predicting disease occurrence.
- Early recognition and management are vital for improving outcomes in coinfected patients.