Resumo

MALDONADO LIRA, B. Immune response in paracoccidioidomycosis. Rev. Soc. Ven. Microbiol. [online]. 2001, vol.21, n.2, pp.54-61. ISSN 1315-2556.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a deep systemic mycoses caused by the thermally dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb). PCM is the most important mycosis in Latin American countries. Its clinical manifestations are those of chronic granulomatous disease with involvement of the lung, mucocutaneous areas and other organs. The morphogenesis of granuloma reaction developed in this disease is not well established. Cell mediated immunity has been describe as the most important host defense mechanism against this fungus, but the acute forms are associated with depressed cellular immune response and high level of specific antibodies. The bibliographic survey of the aspect related with the immune response in PCM (systemic mycosis with endemic areas in our country) is relevant in order to increase our knowledge, understood the pathogenesis of the disease and the mechanisms which caused the immunosuppression in the granulomatous diseases. This knowledge allowed develop new and more efficient therapies which could help the patients in the fight against this fungi.

Palavras-chave : Paracoccidioidomicosis; Paracoccidioides brasiliensis; granuloma.