Molecular detection of Paracoccidioides in soil from an urban area of southern Brazil

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Previous studies that detected Paracoccidioides spp. DNA in soil taken from rural areas have shown this to be a valuable tool for ecological and epidemiological studies. This study reports the detection of Paracoccidioides spp. DNA in soil samples from an urban area of southern Brazil.

METHODS:

Sixteen soil samples were submitted to nested-PCR and the amplicons of a representative number of positive samples were sequenced.

RESULTS:

Paracoccidioides spp. DNA was found in 44% of samples. Four DNA amplicons were sequenced, showing 100% homology with P. brasiliensis.

CONCLUSIONS:

The southern Brazilian urban population is commonly exposed to the Paracoccidioides fungus.

Keywords:
Paracoccidioidomycosis; Paracoccidioides brasiliensis; Environment