Histoplasmine and paracoccidiodine epidemiological study in Upata, Bolivar state, Venezuela

Objective To determine the prevalence of histoplasmosis and paracoccidiomycosis in Upata, a city in Bolivar state, Venezuela. Methods Cutaneous tests on 397 volunteers, 204 with histoplasmine and 193 with paracoccidioidine. Epidemiological data were collected in a protocol sheet. Readings were performed at 24 and 48 h postinjection, by the same observer, and a positive reaction was defined as hardened papule of 5 mm or more. Results Histoplasmine tests were positive in 19.6% and 34.0% at 24 and 48 h after antigens injection with a significant increase of reactivity (P = 0.0019). Paracoccidiodine tests were positive in 11.3% and 19.7% at 24 and 48 h respectively and this difference was also significant (P = 0.004). Risk factors which could explain these levels of reactivity could not be clearly identified. Cultures and animal inoculation from soil samples for fungus isolation were negative. conclusions Paracoccidioidomycoses and histoplasmosis are endemic in Upata.