Oral clinical manifestations of paracoccidioidomycosis: a case report

Abstract

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a fungal disease resulting from the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis that has a predilection for hot and humid places, which is why there is a high incidence of the disease in Brazil. The primary site of the disease involves the pulmonary region, but with the advance of research and studies focused on the disease, the region of the oral mucosa has been greatly affected by the fungus. The article aims to demonstrate the oral clinical manifestations of paracoccidioidomycosis in a female patient who was diagnosed at 79 years old, treated with oral antifungal by the dental team and referred to a medical clinic for treatment of the disease. The patient had an ulcerated lesion with a moriform background with hemorrhagic stitches on the right alveolar ridge. The incisional biopsy was performed and the microscopic result revealed birefringent structures suggestive of Paracoccidioidomycosis. The patient was treated by the dental team at the Unifenas-Alfenas dental clinic and subsequently referred to the Infectious Diseases Department at Hospital Alzira Vellano, in Alfenas-MG, for the evaluation and treatment of systemic symptoms. Based on the results of the physical, clinical and histological exams and on the characteristics that predispose to susceptibility to the disease, such as being a smoker for more than 30 years, hypertensive and working in the countryside, led to the final diagnosis of the injury.