Paracoccidioidycosis is an infection caused by the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, which is usually present in soil and vegetables, and can affect different parts of the body, such as lungs, mouth, throat, skin or lymph nodes.
Also known as South American blastomycosis, this infection is acquired by airway and is more common in tropical areas, causing symptoms such as lack of appetite, weight loss, cough, fever, itching, mouth ulcers and the appearance of water.two paths:
- After confirming the diagnosis.
- With blood tests and a biopsy.
- Your doctor may guide treatment with antifungals.
- Such as fluconazole.
- Ketoconazole.
- Itraconazole.
- Or amphoterincin.
- For example.
Paracoccidioidodomicosis is contracted during respiration, with the inhalation of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis particles, this fungus lives in the soil of plantations, so it is common to affect rural inhabitants, farmers and farmers, for example, because the person can inhale the fungus with soil dust.
Once installed in the lungs, paracoccidioidomycosis fungi cause the disease in 2 different ways:
The second route is the most common because, in general, it is more common to become infected with the fungus even in childhood or adolescence, however, symptoms usually appear in adulthood.
It is important to remember that paracoccidioidoption is not transmitted from person to person, either through direct contact or by sharing personal objects.It also discovers other fungal diseases that spread throughout the body, such as histoplasmosis or blastomycosis.
Paracocideidomycosis can have several forms of signs and symptoms, which vary depending on personal characteristics such as age, health status, immune response, and even genetic factors.Key signs and symptoms include:
In the most severe cases, the disease can also reach organs such as the brain, intestines, bones or kidneys, for example.
For the diagnosis of paracocydioidopidation, your doctor will perform a clinical evaluation, a physical exam, and may order tests such as chest x-rays, blood counts, inflammation meters, and evaluation of kidney and liver function, for example.
Confirmation is made primarily from identification of the fungus in a biopsy of a lesion, however other useful tests include sputum collection, lung aspiration, scraping of lesions, or growth of the fungus.
In addition, there are also blood tests that can identify antibodies against the fungus, which can help diagnose and control the treatment of the disease.
The treatment of paracocydioidomycosis is guided by a specialist in infectious diseases, using antifungal diseases such as Itraconazole, Fluconazole, Ketoconazole or Voriconazole, for example.
Treatment can be done at home, with pills and can last from months to years.In the most severe cases, where there is severe weakness or severe damage to the lungs and other organs, hospitalization and the use of more potent medicines in the vein, such as amphoterin and rifampicin, may be necessary.
It is also indicated to avoid smoking, alcoholic beverages and to treat intestinal parasites, common in these patients.
As Paracoccidioides brasiliensis lives in soil and the environment, it is difficult to establish forms of prevention, however, some precautions are recommended, especially for people working in rural areas, such as paying attention to personal hygiene, always washing hands and washing.At the end of the day, in addition to always wearing the right personal protective equipment, with appropriate clothes, gloves, mask and boots.