Paracoccidioidomycosis: An Update from the Environment to Clinics

Abstract

Paracoccidioidomycosis is an endemic mycosis of great importance in Latin America caused by dimorphic fungi of the genus Paracoccidioides. Recent advances in the study of this mycosis reveal the Paracoccidioides genus as fungi that are difficult to treat and diagnose, with a great capacity to adapt and evade the environment of host cells, causing an invasive disease that is neglected in areas where it is endemic. This chapter aims to provide an overview of the fungi of this genus and the disease, bringing historical aspects and also the most recent advances in the study of this important mycosis, which has a great impact on public health in many countries in Latin America. This chapter will address issues such as the diversity of species of the Paracoccidioides genus, the thermal dimorphism, that allows the fungus to survive in the environment and the host, and its impact on the infectious process, virulence factors, and their relationship with the evasion capacity of the host immune system, as well as aspects associated with the disease such as clinical forms, pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment.