The pathobiology of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis

Borges-Walmsley, M.I., Chen, D.L., Shu, X.H. and Walmsley, A.R. (2002) The pathobiology of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Trends in Microbiology, 10, pp. 80-87.

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis causes one of the most prevalent systemic mycoses in Latin America--paracoccidioidomycosis. It is a dimorphic fungus that undergoes a complex transformation in vivo, with mycelia in the environment producing conidia, which probably act as infectious propagules upon inhalation into the lungs, where they transform to the pathogenic yeast form. This transition is readily induced in vitro by temperature changes, resulting in modulation of the composition of the cell wall. Notably, the polymer linkages change from beta-glucan to alpha-glucan, possibly to avoid beta-glucan triggering the inflammatory response. Mammalian oestrogens inhibit this transition, giving rise to a higher incidence of disease in males. Furthermore, the susceptibility of individuals to paracoccidioidomycosis has a genetic basis, which results in a depressed cellular immune response in susceptible patients; resistance is conferred by cytokine-stimulated granuloma formation and nitric oxide production. The latency period and persistence of the disease and the apparent lack of efficacy of humoral immunity are consistent with P. brasiliensis existing as a facultative intracellular pathogen.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:UNSPECIFIED
Authors: Borges-Walmsley, M.I., Chen, D.L., Shu, X.H., and Walmsley, A.R.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences
Journal Name:Trends in Microbiology

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record