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Paracoccidioides cerebriformis Moore, 1935. Mycologic and immunochemical study
C da S Lacaz1, M S Vidal, C N Pereira
1Barnes Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Summary
This study re-evaluated Paracoccidioides cerebriformis, finding it lacks key antigens and does not cause experimental lesions. Findings suggest Paracoccidioidomycosis results solely from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Immunochemistry
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The fungus Paracoccidioides cerebriformis was described by Moore in 1935.
- The species has been maintained in culture for 60 years, exhibiting consistent characteristics.
- Previous classification placed P. cerebriformis within the Paracoccidioides genus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To mycologically and immunochemically re-evaluate the fungus P. cerebriformis.
- To determine if P. cerebriformis is a distinct species within the Paracoccidioides genus.
- To clarify the etiological agent of Paracoccidioidomycosis.
Main Methods:
- Mycologic culture and characterization.
- SDS PAGE and Western blotting to detect specific antigens.
- Immunoelectrophoresis using anti-gp43 serum.
- Intratesticular inoculation in guinea pigs to assess pathogenicity.
Main Results:
- The fungus maintained its characteristics over 60 years in culture.
- No experimental lesions were observed in guinea pigs inoculated with the fungus.
- The dominant antigen gp43 of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis was not detected.
- Immunoelectrophoresis did not show the characteristic E arch with anti-gp43 serum.
Conclusions:
- The fungus described as P. cerebriformis does not belong to the genus Paracoccidioides.
- Paracoccidioidomycosis is likely caused by a single species, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.
- Further molecular studies are recommended for definitive identification of the fungus.