Paracoccidiomycosis
Synopsis
Taxonomically, the genus Paracoccidioides belongs to the phylum Ascomycota, order Onygenales. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis sensu stricto, has been considered to represent a monotypic taxon. However, with the advancement of in molecular taxonomy several cryptic species, including P. americana, P. restrepiensis, P. venezuelensis, and P. lutzii have been reported that preferably affect the skin and mucous membranes, lymph nodes and respiratory organs but it can also affect other organs (Hahn et al., 2002). The classical appearance of this fungus looks like similar to “Mickey Mouse ears” or “boat steering wheel.