Molecular detection of paracoccidioides in soil from an urban area of Southern Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Previous studies that detected Paracoccidioides spp. DNA in soil taken from rural areas have shown this to be a valuable tool for ecological and epidemiological studies. This study reports the detection of Paracoccidioides spp. DNA in soil samples from an urban area of southern Brazil. Methods: Sixteen soil samples were submitted to nested-PCR and the amplicons of a representative number of positive samples were sequenced. Results: Paracoccidioides spp. DNA was found in 44% of samples. Four DNA amplicons were sequenced, showing 100% homology with P. brasiliensis. Conclusions: The southern Brazilian urban population is commonly exposed to the Paracoccidioides fungus.