Sketchy Micro: Paracoccidioidomycosis

Question 1

Where is Paracoccidioides found?

Answer 1

In South America (like the map behind the pirate)

It is also called the Blastomycosis of Brasil, and it’s full scientific name is Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.

Question 2

Describe the yeast form of Paracoccidioides.

Answer 2

It generates bulbous spores that radiate out in a circle (like the captain’s wheel with bulbous handles).

Question 3

Paracoccidioides is a ___________ fungi.

Answer 3

dimorphic (like the pirate’s tattoo of a butterfly)

Question 4

How big is Paracoccidioides?

Answer 4

It is very large –bigger than RBCs (like how the center of the captain’s wheel is red and the radiating spores are much bigger than it).

Question 5

How is Paracoccidioides transmitted?

Answer 5

By respiratory droplets (like the droplets coming out of the coughing pirate’s mouth)

Question 6

What physical exam finding is suggestive of Paracoccidioidomycosis?

Answer 6

Cervical lymphadenopathy (like the white beads on the pirate’s dread locks)

Question 7

Paracoccidioidomycosis can cause ______________ in the mouth and _____________ in the lungs.

Answer 7

mucocutaneous lesions with spots of hemorrhage (like the pirate’s poor, spotty dentition); caseating granulomas (like the yellow, cheesy medallion on his necklace)

Question 8

What are the two treatments for Paracoccidioidomycosis?

Answer 8

Conazoles for mild infections (like the pine cone air fresheners) and amphotericin B for severe infections (like the frogs jumping off the captain’s wheel)