A survey with paracoccidioidin in a population of Bahia (Brazil)

Abstract

A survey was performed in the municipal district of Una, localized in the Southern area of the State of Bahia, where cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic. One hundred and seventy-seven individuals with age group ranging from three months to seventy three years, were studied through skin tests with paracoccidioidin (peptide-polysaccharidic antigen of P. brasiliensis). Positivity was shown in ten individuals (5.6%). Only the test presenting enduration equal or higher than five millimeters was considered positive. No positive case showed clinical evidence of lesions. The sera from positive cases were studied through immunodiffusion and counter-immuno-electrophoresis tests. The results were negative for circulating antibodies to P. brasiliensis. This datum point out the absence of active infectious process in the individuals positive to paracoccidioidin. The percentage of positivity obtained through skin tests with paracoccidioidin, even so eventual cross reactions with histoplasmin could be present, suggests the occurrence of paracoccidioidomycosis in the studied area.