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Histoplasmine and paracoccidiodine epidemiological study in Upata, Bolívar state, Venezuela
Author(s) -
Cermeño Julman R.,
Cermeño Julmery J.,
Hernández Isabel,
Godoy Gerardo,
Cermeño July J.,
Cabello Ismery,
Orellán Yida,
Blanco Ytalia,
Penna Salvador
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
tropical medicine and international health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 114
eISSN - 1365-3156
pISSN - 1360-2276
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2004.01376.x
Subject(s) - histoplasmosis , epidemiology , papule , significant difference , medicine , veterinary medicine , biology , immunology , surgery , lesion
Summary Objective To determine the prevalence of histoplasmosis and paracoccidiomycosis in Upata, a city in Bolívar state, Venezuela. Methods Cutaneous tests on 397 volunteers, 204 with histoplasmine and 193 with paracoccidioidine. Epidemiological data were collected in a protocol sheet. Readings were performed at 24 and 48 h post‐injection, by the same observer, and a positive reaction was defined as hardened papule of 5 mm or more. Results Histoplasmine tests were positive in 19.6% and 34.0% at 24 and 48 h after antigens injection with a significant increase of reactivity ( P = 0.0019). Paracoccidiodine tests were positive in 11.3% and 19.7% at 24 and 48 h respectively and this difference was also significant ( P = 0.004). Risk factors which could explain these levels of reactivity could not be clearly identified. Cultures and animal inoculation from soil samples for fungus isolation were negative. Conclusions Paracoccidioidomycoses and histoplasmosis are endemic in Upata.