Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV
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J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol · May 2000
The role of HLA antigens in the development of paracoccidioidomycosis.
Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic granulomatous disease that involves primarily the lungs and may disseminate to other organs and systems. It is caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, a fungus that exhibits reversible thermal dimorphism and whose natural habitat is presently unknown. There are two main clinical forms: the acute (subacute) juvenile form and the chronic adult form. The former runs a more rapid course and is more severe than the latter. This mycosis is found throughout Latin America. Brazil accounts for 80% of reported cases. Presumably P. brasiliensis thrives in humid and hot places, especially near forests or farms. The infection is endemic in certain areas, especially in Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela, where nearly 100% of the population show cutaneous paracoccidioidina positive skin tests, indicating previous contact with the fungus, although a small percentage show clinical manifestations of the disease. ⋯ There is no evidence of association between a specific HLA antigen and paracoccidioidomycosis in the subjects studied. Further investigations are recommended.