Isolation of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis from the nine-banded armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus, in an endemic area for paracoccidioidomycosis in Colombia

The microniche of the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidiodes brasiliensisremains undefined in spite of the many attempts to isolate it from natural sources. Until recently, knowledge was also scanty concerning the presence of natural infections in animals; however, in the last decade, the fungus has been repeatedly isolated from the nine-banded armadillo, Dasypus novemcinctusin Brazil. A study aimed at determining the presence of infected armadillos in one of the paracoccidioidomycosis endemic areas of Colombia (Manizales, Department of Caldas) was undertaken. Based on the records of paracoccidioidomycosis patients available in the regional hospital, we selected a locality corresponding to a permanent resident, and found that it also had armadillo's burrows. Counting with the proper authorization, two animals were captured, sacrificed under prolonged anaesthesia and various internal organs cultured in mycological media. PCR with specific P. brasiliensis'primers was also done. The fungus was isolated from the mesenteric lymph node of one of the animals; fungal DNA amplification was positive in the same specimen as well as in the liver. The isolate from the Colombian armadillo indicates that these animals are regular hosts to P. brasiliensis in at least two endemic countries. Due to the restricted life pattern of these mammals they represent an important link with the natural habitat of the fungus. Consequently, a study of their movements and habits could prove rewarding in the search for this habitat.