Paracoccidioidomycosis
Paracoccidioidomycosis (South American blastomycosis) is infection caused by the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.
Paracoccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection that usually involves the skin, mouth, throat, and lymph nodes, although it sometimes appears in the lungs, liver, or spleen. It is very common in South America but rare in the United States.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Lymph nodes become swollen when they are infected by Paracoccidioides, and they may drain pus, but there is little pain. The lymph nodes most commonly infected are those in the neck and under the arms. Painful ulcers may form in the mouth. If the lungs are affected, the person may have a cough and difficulty breathing.
To diagnose the infection, a doctor takes tissue samples for analysis under a microscope.
Prognosis and Treatment
Symptoms are long lasting but rarely fatal. The drug itraconazole is the treatment of choice. Amphotericin B is also effective, but because of its side effects it is reserved for very severe cases.
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