ABSTRACT
Paracoccidioidomycosis is a chronic granulomatous disease, characterized by a primary pulmonary infection, and by dissemination to mucosal surfaces, skin, reticuloendothelial system, and adrenals. The disease is geographically restricted to certain areas of Central and South America. Conversion from the mycelial to the yeast form is accompanied not only by a change in colony appearance but also by important alterations in cell-wall composition, from beta-glucan in the mycelium wall to alpha-glucan in the yeast. Chitin content of the inner layer is also higher in the yeast form. From the point of view of occupation, the mycosis is more frequently diagnosed in persons associated with agricultural pursuits. European and Asiatic immigrants settling in the endemic area often develop a severe disseminated form of disease.
