paracoccidioidomycosis /per′əkoksid′ē·oi′dōmīkō″sis/ [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.
