A growing campaign against paracoccidioidomycosis : Effect of steroid hormones on the growth of paracoccidioides brasiliensis

Abstract

The imposing name “‘paracoccidioidomycosis” belongs to a dangerous mycotic infection endemic to South and Middle America. Caused by the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, the disease is difficult to treat and apt to recur years later in patients who have been clinically cured. It also presents a number of puzzles for researchers that six decades of investigation have left unsolved. Recognizing the need for an active forum on this subject, the Pan American Health Organization and the University of Antioquia, Colombia, sponsored the First Symposium on Paracoccidioidomycosis, which was held in Medellin, Colombia, on 25-27 October A 1971. The two articles appearing on the following pages are based on papers presented at that meeting. Other contributions to the Symposium are contained in the volume Paracoccidioidomycosis published by the Pan American Health Organization.