paracoccidioidomycosis

paracoccidioidomycosis /para·coc·cid·i·oi·do·my·co·sis/ (-kok-sid″e-oi″do-mi-ko´sis) an often fatal, chronic granulomatous disease caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, primarily involving the lungs, but spreading to the skin, mucous membranes, lymph nodes, and internal organs.

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par·a·coc·cid·i·oi·do·my·co·sis (pr-kk-sd-oid-m-kss)

n.

A chronic mycosis caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, characterized by primary lesions of the lungs with dissemination to many internal organs, by conspicuous ulcerative granulomas of the mucous membranes of the cheeks and nose with extensions to the skin, and by generalized lymphangitis. Also called Almeida's disease, Lutz-Splendore-Almeida disease, paracoccidioidal granuloma, South American blastomycosis.

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paracoccidioidomycosis

[per′əkoksid′ē·oi′dōmīkō′sis]

Etymology: Gk, para + kokkos, berry, eidos, form, mykes, fungus, osis, condition

a chronic, occasionally fatal fungal infection caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. It is characterized by ulcers of the oral cavity, larynx, and nose. Other effects include large, draining lymph nodes; cough; dyspnea; weight loss; and skin, genital, and intestinal lesions. The disease occurs in Mexico and Central and South America and is acquired by inhalation of spores of the fungus. Diagnosis is by microscopic examination of a smear prepared from a lesion. This infection is sensitive to the use of sulfonamides, amphotericin B, and the azole antifungals. Azoles are preferred over sulfonamides and amphotericin B because they are less toxic, more effective, and require a shorter duration of treatment. Azoles are available in an oral form. Also called paracoccidioidal granuloma, South American blastomycosis. Compare North American blastomycosis.

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paracoccidioidomycosis

an often fatal, chronic granulomatous disease of humans, dogs, cats and most mammals caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. The disease is endemic in South America, particularly Brazil. Infection primarily involves the lungs, but spreads to the skin, mucous membranes, lymph nodes and internal organs. Called also South American blastomycosis.