Overview
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), also known as South American blastomycosis or Lutz-Splendore-Almeida disease, is a serious fungal infection caused by the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and related species. The fungus lives in soil in certain parts of Latin America, and people become infected by breathing in tiny fungal spores. Once inside the body, the infection usually starts in the lungs and can then spread to other organs, including the skin, mouth, throat, lymph nodes, and adrenal glands. In some people, the infection stays mild or even goes unnoticed for years before becoming active. There are two main forms of the disease. The acute or juvenile form progresses quickly and mainly affects the immune system and lymph nodes, especially in children and young adults. The chronic form is more common and develops slowly over months or years, mostly affecting the lungs and causing breathing problems. Both forms can be serious if not treated. The good news is that PCM can be treated with antifungal medications. Itraconazole is the most commonly used treatment and works well for most people. More severe cases may require intravenous amphotericin B. Treatment can last from several months to years depending on how serious the infection is. With proper treatment, most people recover, though some may have lasting lung damage. Early diagnosis and sticking to the full course of treatment are very important for a good outcome.
Key symptoms:
Persistent coughShortness of breathPainful sores in the mouth, throat, or on the lipsSwollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck and armpitsSkin sores or ulcersUnexplained weight lossFever and chillsFatigue and general weaknessHoarse voice or difficulty swallowingSwollen abdomen due to enlarged liver or spleenAdrenal gland problems causing low blood pressure and fatigueBone or joint pain in some cases
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Paracoccidioidomycosis.
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Paracoccidioidomycosis.
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Caregiver Resources
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Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Which form of paracoccidioidomycosis do I have, and how severe is my infection?,Which antifungal medication is best for me, and how long will I need to take it?,How will we know if the treatment is working, and what tests will be done to check?,Has the infection damaged my lungs, adrenal glands, or other organs, and will that damage be permanent?,What are the warning signs that the infection is coming back, and what should I do if that happens?,Are there any activities or exposures I should avoid to prevent the infection from getting worse or coming back?,Do I need to see any other specialists, such as a lung doctor or hormone specialist?
Common questions about Paracoccidioidomycosis
What is Paracoccidioidomycosis?
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), also known as South American blastomycosis or Lutz-Splendore-Almeida disease, is a serious fungal infection caused by the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and related species. The fungus lives in soil in certain parts of Latin America, and people become infected by breathing in tiny fungal spores. Once inside the body, the infection usually starts in the lungs and can then spread to other organs, including the skin, mouth, throat, lymph nodes, and adrenal glands. In some people, the infection stays mild or even goes unnoticed for years before becoming active.
How is Paracoccidioidomycosis inherited?
Paracoccidioidomycosis follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
Which specialists treat Paracoccidioidomycosis?
1 specialists and care centers treating Paracoccidioidomycosis are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.