PLACENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN PARACOCCIDIOIDOMYCOSIS

A case of juvenile-type paracoccidioidomycosis in a pregnant woman is reported. The disease pre-dated pregnancy and antifungal treatment was being administered when she became pregnant. A premature male infant was delivered with no evidence of infection. Microscopic examination o f the placenta showed numerous Paracoccidioides brasiliensis yeast for ms in the intervillous space, enmeshed in a macrophagic--phagocytic re action, with damage of the trophoblastic layer. Placental transfer of specific P. brasiliensis antibodies was demonstrated.