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Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis caused by thermodimorphic fungi from the genus Paracoccidioides; they exist in mould form in the environment and when cultured at 25–30°C, and yeast form in human tissues and when cultured at 35–37°C. These organisms are endemic to South and Central America with up to 80% of cases occurring in Brazil. Cases are predominantly seen in rural farming areas and are likely under‐reported due to reduced access to health care and diagnostics. Imported cases have previously been reported on every continent other than Australia and Antarctica. This may be due to the unfamiliarity among Australian clinicians with the diagnosis. With increased international migration, and changing climatic conditions, infections with more unusual pathogens, such as Paracoccidioides spp, may become more frequently seen in non‐endemic areas such as Australia. Paracoccidioidomycosis has been recognised as a neglected tropical disease and a medium risk mycosis by the World Health Organization; however, global surveillance systems for this condition remain inadequate and the true global burden is unknown.

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Authors:  Timothy C Badrick, Ella M Meumann, Kathryn Shirley, Peter Simos, Mertya L May, Gary Quagliotto, Evan C Bursle, Nici Leonard, Rodney J McDougall and Jennifer M Robson

Article Type: Medical Education