Serological evidence of paracoccidioidomycosis infection in pantanal caimans (Caiman yacare)

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis of medical and veterinary importance. Infection by fungi of the genus Paracoccidioides has been reported in several animal species but has not yet been described in reptiles. This study aimed to investigate serological evidence of Paracoccidioides infection in wild caimans (Caiman yacare) from the Brazilian Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul, a region endemic for PCM. Serum samples from 50 free-ranging caimans were analyzed by ELISA and immunodiffusion using gp43 and exoantigen, respectively. Anti-gp43 antibodies were detected in 30% of the samples by ELISA, whereas no reactivity was observed by immunodiffusion. No significant differences were found between males and females, indicating similar exposure to the pathogen. To our knowledge, this is the first report of serological evidence of Paracoccidioides infection in caimans, expanding the known host range of this pathogen.