Fig.21-A1
Paracoccidioidomycosis

A patient from Mérida / Venezuela had several nodules in both inguinal regions. In the right side the nodule is bigger than on the left side. Clinically tuberculosis or a malignant tumor was suspected.

Fig.21-A2
Paracoccidioidomycosis

The histological examination confirmed a fungal infection with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. In this picture a typical steering wheel form is shown. Grocott method.

Fig.21-A3
Paracoccidioidomycosis

When these fungus cells are observed under polarized light "Malteser cruces" are seen, i.e. a birefringency of some cells is noted. This occurs when the tissue is not completely desparaffinized before the coloration is done. Therefore this phenomenon of birefringency is due to a rest of paraffin and is not a characteristic of fungus cells. See also a lobomycosis with birefrigent fungus cells.

Fig.21-A4
Paracoccidioidomycosis

The fungus cells of P. brasiliensis may also show deformation in tissues as shown in this picture. Grocott method.