Public Health Concerns
Prevention and control of new infections by Paracoccidioides spp. are difficult to adopt, since the exact ecological niche of the fungus is still unknown. Inhalation of aerosols from soil in hyperendemic areas particularly armadillo burrows might be a risk factor.
Hunting dogs with digging habits are probably more exposed to infection, and it is recommended to monitor the dog for possible clinical changes. Early diagnosis improves prognosis.PCM is a serious zoonosis in a public health context. The disease can be classified as a saprozoonosis, transmission occurring by abiotic material (soil) impacted by the natural host animal. Direct transmission from an animal or among humans is not known to occur. Paracoccidioides spp. are classified as a risk group 2 organism, and handling of fungal cultures should be done under appropriate safety conditions, especially when dealing with the infective mycelial form of the fungus.
PCM is a non-reportable neglected disease, and, since it is the most important systemic mycosis in Latin America, health authorities should encourage programs and campaigns with the aim of educating the public about the risks and potential manners of acquiring the infection.