Isolation of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis from armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) in an area where the fungus was recently isolated from soil

Natural infection of armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) with Paracoccidioide s brasiliensis in Northern Brazil was reported in 1986, raising great inter est in the understanding of the role of this mammal in the epidemiological cycle of the fungus. Recently, P. brasiliensis was isolated from the soil o f Ibia, State of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. Armadillos captured in this area were evaluated for the presence of P. brasiliensis in the viscera and infection was detected in 4/16 animals (25%). Fungal yeast phase cells were observed in three of the four infected armadillos by direct microscop ic examination and by the indirect immunofluorescence test carried out on h omogenized tissues. P. brasiliensis was isolated from three armadillos whos e homogenized viscera had been injected into Swiss mice. The new strains (I bia-T1, Ibia-T2 and Ibia-T3) were identified as P, brasiliensis on the basi s of macro- and micromorphology, thermodimorphism, production and serologic activity of exoantigens, and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-detection of the gp43 gene. The lethality and lesions caused to the mice from which t he strains were recovered confirmed the virulence of the isolates. We concl ude that P. brasiliensis infects armadillos in locations with different geo climatic characteristics and vegetation cover. The direct observation of ye ast cells in tissues and the multiple visceral involvement, including the l ungs, suggests the occurrence of paracoccidioidomycosis disease in these ma mmals and supports their role as wild hosts in the epidemiological cycle of the fungus.