Abstract

LUIS-LEON, Juan J  and  PEREZ, Rosa Cristina. Pythiosis: An emergent pathology in Venezuela. Salus [online]. 2011, vol.15, n.1, pp.38-45. ISSN 1316-7138.

Pythiosis is a disease that occurs in humans and other mammals, such as horses, canines and cattle. The etiologic agent is Pythium insidiosum, an aquatic oomycete present in various geographic regions of the world. The cutaneous granulomatous form and gastrointestinal are common clinical presentations which predominate in infected animals. The infection can spread to other tissues (e.g. osseous and pulmonary). Human pythiosis has four clinical forms: cutaneous or subcutaneous, vascular, ocular and occasional anatomical sites may occur (e.g. brain). Cases in canines, bovines and equines have been reported in Venezuela. This article updated a review of the literature on the epidemiology, lifecycle of the etiological agent, pathogenesis, clinical presentation in animals and humans, diagnosis, treatment, and cases of pythiosis in Venezuela.

Keywords : Pythiosis; Pythium insidosum; Oomycete; Venezuela.

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