CUTANEOUS FUNGAL and parasitic diseases are frequent and usually do not threaten the physical integrity of the patient. There are, however, some that may acquire a severe clinical picture and may even cause death. Some of the most important and/or dangerous of these life-threatening cutaneous fungal (as systemic candidosis, paracoccidioidomycosis, sporotrichosis, zygomycosis, and histoplasmosis) and parasitic diseases (Chagas disease, schistosomiasis amebiasis, and leishmaniasis) are discussed in this chapter.

FUNGAL INFECTIONS

Systemic Candidosis

First observed by Langenbeck in 1839, the genus Candida suffered several taxonomic modifications until its present classification. It presents about 200 species of fungi and shelters the most important yeasts that infect mankind. Many species are opportunistic pathogens; however, the majority do not infect humans.

Although the last decade has observed an increase of infections by the non-albicans Candida species (such as C. tropicalis, C. glabra, C. krusei, C. dubliniensis, and C. parapsilosis), C. albicans remains the dimorphic yeast responsible for 70%–90% of all infections of this type. It is frequently found as a saprophyte of humans colonizing the mucosa of the digestive system, and by contiguity, the vaginal mucosa of the majority of mammals.

The term “candidiasis” or “candidosis” (more frequent in Canadian and UK literature) has a generic connotation and encompasses a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations.