PARACOCCIDIOIDES Meaning and
Definition
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Paracoccidioides is a genus of fungus belonging to the class Eurotiomycetes and the order Onygenales. It includes several species of pathogenic fungi, most notably Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and Paracoccidioides lutzii. These species are the causative agents of paracoccidioidomycosis, a systemic mycosis commonly known as South American blastomycosis.
Paracoccidioides fungi are thermally dimorphic, meaning they exist in two distinct morphological forms depending on the environmental conditions. In the environment, they typically grow as a filamentous mold with septate hyphae and produce asexual spores called conidia. However, upon entering a host organism, usually inhaled through the respiratory system, they transform into a yeast-like form that reproduces by budding.
Paracoccidioidomycosis primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to other organs, including the skin, mucous membranes, lymph nodes, and adrenal glands. It is more prevalent in Central and South America, particularly in rural areas with high humidity and a warm climate.
The disease manifests as a chronic infection, often with flu-like symptoms, cough, and respiratory distress. It can have varying degrees of severity and can be life-threatening, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Diagnosis is typically made through laboratory testing, such as culturing the fungus or detecting specific antibodies in patient samples.
Treatment usually involves the administration of antifungal drugs, such as itraconazole or amphotericin B, for an extended duration. Prognosis can be favorable with appropriate treatment, but relapses are possible, necessitating long-term follow-up.
Common Misspellings for PARACOCCIDIOIDES
Etymology of PARACOCCIDIOIDES
The word "Paracoccidioides" has a Greek and Latin etymology. It is derived from the Greek word "para" meaning "similar" or "beside", the Latin word "coccidio" meaning "grain", and the Latin suffix "-ides" meaning "resembling", denoting a resemblance to another organism or category.
In the context of the word "Paracoccidioides", it refers to a genus of fungi that causes the infectious disease paracoccidioidomycosis. The term "Paracoccidioides" was coined to describe the morphological characteristics of these fungi, resembling small grains (coccidia) in their yeast-like form.
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