Oral paracoccidioidomycosis: a retrospective study at a diagnostic center in southern Minas Gerais

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a severe systemic fungal infection of significant clinical importance due to its high incidence and mortality. Its geographical distribution is heterogeneous, with regions of both high and low endemicity, depending on the climate and agricultural conditions. Aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of PCM in the South of Minas Gerais State and identify the population at most risk for developing and progressing the disease. Methods: Thus, we performed a retrospective analysis of histopathological reports from the Oral Pathology Laboratory at Federal University of Alfenas, from 1999 to 2019. Results: The results revealed that 86 patients were diagnosed with PCM during the analyzed period. Of these, 6.98% were excluded due to incomplete histopathological request forms. Among the 80 patients analyzed, a higher prevalence was observed in males (82.50%) and leucodermic individuals (60.0%), with PCM being the most frequent diagnostic hypothesis (66.25%). The average age of female patients was higher than that of male ones. A predominance of multiple lesions was observed, regardless of the patients’ sex. Conclusions: Hence, this study highlights the high prevalence of PCM in the South of Minas Gerais, emphasizing the need for education and monitoring of both the population and healthcare professionals in this endemic region. Early recognition and proper treatment are essential to prevent PCM-related sequelae and death. Additionally, the need for investment in scientific research on new therapeutic options becomes evident.