Current strategies for diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis and prospects of methods based on gold nanoparticles

• Published in: Future microbiology Vol. 11; no. 7; pp. 973 - 985
• Main Authors: Silva Ferreira, Cyntia, de Castro Ribeiro, Erica Milena, Miranda Goes, Alfredo de, Mello Silva, Breno de
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Future Medicine Ltd 01.07.2016
• Subjects: Antigens, Fungal; diagnosis; Gold; gold nanorods; gold nanospheres; Humans; Metal Nanoparticles - chemistry; Paracoccidioides; Paracoccidioides - isolation & purification; paracoccidioidomycosis; Paracoccidioidomycosis - diagnosis; Paracoccidioidomycosis - drug therapy; Paracoccidioidomycosis - microbiology; paracoccidioidomycosis; diagnosis; Paracoccidioides lutzii; gold nanorods; gold nanospheres; Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
• ISSN: 1746-0913; 1746-0921
• DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2016-0062

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a human systemic granulomatous mycosis caused by thermodimorphic fungi from genus. The disease is prevalent in Latin America and triggers a serious clinical condition. Consequently, rapid diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent progression of the disease, which can result in death. Currently, there are several established methods for PCM diagnosis. However, many of these tests still present challenges in terms of cost, accessibility and efficiency. In this scenario, gold nanoparticles represent a promising alternative since they have particular optical and electronic properties, which allow its use for biomolecules detection. This review will briefly present techniques available for PCM diagnosis and the perspectives of implementation of gold nanoparticles for diagnosis of this mycosis.