Paracoccidioidomycosis (South American Blastomycosis) in the United States

Abstract

The findings in a patient with paracoccidiodomycosis (South American blastomycosis) diagnosed by open-lung biopsy and treated successfully with a combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole are reported, and the clinical spectrum of the disease is reviewed. Although paracoccidioidomycosis is rarely encountered in the United States and is clinicially similar to other deep mycoses, it should be considered in patients who are suspected of having a fungal infection and have had previous exposure in an area endemic for paracoccidiodomycosis.