Profile of exoantigens from clinical isolates of Paracoccidioides lutzii IN Mato Grosso, Brazil

The objective of this study was to determine the immunochemical profile of three exoantigen preparations obtained from clinical samples of Paracoccidioides lutzii from the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The exoantigens were prepared according to a protocol standardized by Camargo et al. and their immunochemical profiles were analyzed using SDS-PAGE. The observed protein bands exhibited molecular weights of 20, 30, and 130 kDa. The 130 kDa glycoprotein was detected in all three preparations. The detection of this high-molecular-weight protein suggests a distinct immunochemical profile. These differences may help to explain the false negative reactions obtained when using the antigen from P. brasiliensis reference strain B-339. This information is essential for increasing the specificity of serological tests used to monitor the prognosis of patients with paracoccidioidomycosis.

Acute disseminated paracoccidioidomycosis in a 3 year-old child

Clinical cases involving paracoccidioidomycosis in children, diagnosed in Mato Grosso State, in the central western region of Brazil, are rare despite the state being classified with a moderate to high incidence. We describe a clinical case of infant acute disseminated Paracoccidioidomycosis in Mato Grosso State, Brazil, highlighting the importance of early differential diagnosis from other severe pathologies, thus contributing to the survival of compromised patients. A 3 year-old male child, weighing 12.8 Kg, originating from Vila Rica, MT, Brazil. The patient presented intermittent 40ºC fever evolving over 40 days, dry cough and painless bilateral cervical adenomegaly, showing no signs of inflammation. This was associated with diarrhea, distension and important abdominal pain and weight loss. Diagnosis was achieved by visualization of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis yeasts in a direct mycological exam and posterior fungus isolation in culture medium. The patient evolved presenting good clinical response to antifungal treatment and progressive reduction of abdominal and cervical ganglions. To improve the prognosis of compromised patients it is essential that professionals realize a full clinical-laboratorial evaluation, including differential diagnoses for other severe pathologies, as early as possible. The degree and intensity of paracoccidioidomycosis compromise are determining factors for defining the most efficient treatment.