Retrospective seroepidemiological analysis of patients with suspicion of paracoccidioidomycosis in São Paulo State, Brazil

Kamikawa, CM; Kohara, VS; Passos, A. N.; Ap, Vicentini

doi:10.1590/s1678-91992012000300003

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 13 publications

(16 reference statements)

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“…In Brazil, the disease is considered the eighth cause of death among infectious and parasitic diseases, presenting a mortality rate of 1.4 per million inhabitants [ 6 ]. PCM presents a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations and it is more frequent in males than in females (a ratio of approximately 7.2:1) and affects people from 30 to 60 years old, mainly the ones living in rural areas [ 7 – 9 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Standardization and validation of Dot-ELISA assay for Paracoccidioides brasiliensis antibody detection

Kamikawa

Mendes

Vicentini

2017

J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis

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BackgroundParacoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a neglected systemic mycosis caused by a dimorphic fungus of the Paracoccidioides genus. The standard diagnosis is based on isolation of the fungi in culture, and by microscopic visualization of characteristic multiple budding yeast cells in biological samples. However, in some situations, access to the site of injury prevents the collection of biological material. A variety of immuno-serological techniques has proven useful for allowing inferring diagnosis with a certain degree of certainty, thus optimizing time. The aim of this study was to standardize and validate the Dot-ELISA (DE) assay, comparing it with the serological standard, double immunodiffusion (DI).MethodsIn order to standardize the DE assay, 143 serum samples were used. Out of those, 23 were from apparently healthy patients, 77 were from patients with confirmed PCM and 43 were from patients with other lung infections (tuberculosis, aspergillosis and histoplasmosis). To validate the DE technique, 300 serum samples from patients with PCM clinical suspicion (probable and possible cases) were employed, and these results were compared with those of DI.ResultsThe DE assay showed sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 95.4%, positive predictive value of 96%, negative predictive value of 98.2%, accuracy of 93%, and great precision (k = 0.93). In addition, the nitrocellulose membranes have proved to be viable for using at least 90 days after P. brasiliensis B-339 antigen sensitization.ConclusionDot-ELISA method was found to be an extremely promising tool as serologic screening technique, because of its high sensitivity. Furthermore, Dot-ELISA shows the prospect of being transferred to laboratories of mycoserology including those with fewer resources or even to be used directly in the field. It has an excellent shelf life – membranes coated with antigen can be used for testing without changes in the pattern of reactivity among laboratories – and presents reliable values of sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, accuracy and a high correlation with the serological standard methodology. Based on the present findings, it possible to state that this technique constitutes a remarkable option to be used in routine diagnosis for public health centers.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Standardization and validation of Dot-ELISA assay for Paracoccidioides brasiliensis antibody detection

Kamikawa

Mendes

Vicentini

2017

J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis

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Epidemiology, Clinical, and Therapeutic Aspects of Paracoccidioidomycosis

Costa

Silva²

2014

Curr Trop Med Rep

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Paracoccidioidomycosis, or PCM, was described by Adolfo Lutz 105 years ago. Since then the disease has taken a prominent position among the systemic fungal infections because it mainly affects individuals in the most productive years of their lives in various countries of Latin America. In Brazil, the disease is considered endemic in some regions. However, it is still a neglected disease. With the recent discovery that Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is not the only species of this genus, numerous studies have contributed to better understanding and recognition of this pathogen and its pathology in many aspects, such as the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic aspects.

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