Systemic mycoses in Mexico

The systemic mycoses present in Mexico are three: coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis and paracoccidioidomycosis. All of them are acquired by respiratory route and later, they are disseminated to diverse organs. Coccidioidomycosis is more frequent in the states of northern Mexico, where the climate and the soil rich in salts allow the development of Coccidioides immitis. The most important registers are from some communities of Coahuila and Nuevo Leon states where up to 90% of the population has had contact with the agent; this has been detected by serological tests. Histoplasmosis occurs throughout country mainly associated to manipulation of bat and bird's guano. In the last three decades its importance has increased with the AIDS pandemic. This mycosis can cause a long evolution febrile syndrome and finally death. Paracoccidiodomycosis is present in states with temperate or tropical climates such as Veracruz where the temperature and humidity, associated to the great amount of vegetal material in the soil favour the development of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. After the lung infection this agent shows a tendency to invade lymph nodes, adrenal glands and skin. Although these infections can be lethal, they are not required as an obligatory epidemiologic inform, and therefore its real frequency in our country is unknown.