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Lobomycosis, also called paracoccidioidomycosis ceti, is a chronic mycotic cutaneous disease affecting odontocetes. Lobomycosis-like disease (LLD) has a clinical presentation consistent with lobomycosis but lacks a histological and molecular diagnosis. We review the literature on lobomycosis aetiology, clinical signs and pathogenesis, species affected and geographic distribution and examine the factors influencing the presence, transmission and prevalence of the disease, to better understand its ecology. In addition, we provide unpublished information on LLD in two common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) communities inhabiting the Gulf of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Lobomycosis and LLD occur in Delphinidae from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans between 33°N and 35°S. Primary risk factors include habitat, sex, age, sociality, and pollution. In dolphins from the Americas and Japan, lobomycosis is caused by Paracoccidioides ceti , family Ajellomycetaceae. The disease is characterized by cutaneous granulomatous lesions that may occur anywhere on the body, grow to large size, and may ulcerate. Histologically, the lesions consist of acanthosis and histiocytic granulomas between the skin and subcutaneous tissues, with inflammatory changes that extend deep into the dermis. Multiple yeast cells with a double refringent layer stained positive using Gomori-Grocott methenamine silver in the dermis of a T. truncatus from Ecuador diagnosed with LLD since 2011, a first record for the Southeast Pacific. Injuries may enable the entry of P. ceti into the dermis while skin contact likely favours transmission, putting males at higher risk than females. Lobomycosis and LLD may have a negative impact on small communities already threatened by anthropogenic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a patient from Panama who had lobomycosis caused by Paracoccidioides (Lacazia) loboi. We used combined clinical-epidemiologic and phylogenetic data, including a new gene sequence dataset on this fungus in Panama, for analysis. Findings contribute useful insights to limited knowledge of this fungal infection in the Mesoamerican Biologic Corridor.

Aim: To document a case of lobomycosis and to discuss its epidemiology & diagnosis. Case Report: A 53-year-old male presented with a history of nasal congestion, nasal discharge, and epistaxis following Covid 19 infection. On physical examination, there was necrotic slough in the nasal vestibule near the inferior turbinate. Scrapings and punch biopsy were taken from the lesion. Hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections showed necrotic and mucoid areas with mixed inflammatory cell infiltration and numerous budding yeasts 3- 7μm diameter in singles, and small clusters with single narrow based budding as well as multiple budding including sequential budding forming chains of yeasts. A diagnosis of Lobomycosis was made. Yeasts of lobomycosis are often confused with other yeasts such as P. brasiliensis, Candida spp., B. dermatitidis, and Cryptococci, but characteristic sequential budding with a chain of yeasts aid in the final diagnosis. Demonstration of yeasts with characteristic chains either in tissue sections or in potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation of scraped material, exudate, or exfoliative cytology is the mainstay in the diagnosis as the organisms are uncultivable in vitro in culture medium.

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Aim: To document a case of lobomycosis and to discuss its epidemiology & diagnosis. Case Report: A 53-year-old male presented with a history of nasal congestion, nasal discharge, and epistaxis following Covid 19 infection. On physical examination, there was necrotic slough in the nasal vestibule near the inferior turbinate. Scrapings and punch biopsy were taken from the lesion. Hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections showed necrotic and mucoid areas with mixed inflammatory cell infiltration and numerous budding yeasts 3-7µm diameter in singles, and small clusters with single narrow based budding as well as multiple budding including sequential budding forming "chains of yeasts". A diagnosis of Lobomycosis was made. Yeasts of lobomycosis are often confused with other yeasts such as P. brasiliensis, Candida spp., B. dermatitidis, and Cryptococci, but characteristic 'sequential budding' with a 'chain of yeasts" aid in the final diagnosis. Demonstration of yeasts with characteristic chains either in tissue sections or in potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation of scraped material, exudate, or exfoliative cytology is the mainstay in the diagnosis as the organisms are uncultivable in vitro in culture medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lobomycosis is a rare fungal disease which affects people living in tropical areas with environmental and occupational characteristics that facilitate its appearance. Most of the patients are workers or inhabitants of jungle areas, and although it may occur in any race, its high prevalence in the indigenous people of the Amazon area stands out. Delays in diagnosis and treatment are common, as well as the difficulties in the therapeutic response, which leads to frequent recurrences and chronicity of the lesions. We present the report of four new cases of lobomycosis in men and women treated in health brigades with the Colombian Civil Air Patrol, in difficult-toaccess areas of the country, in the departments of Vichada and Chocó. This is a rare disease which should not be forgotten. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibrosis is a common pathophysiological response of many tissues and organs subjected to chronic injury. Despite the diverse aetiology of keloid, lacaziosis and localized scleroderma, the process of fibrosis is present in the pathogenesis of all of these three entities beyond other individual clinical and histological distinct characteristics. Fibrosis was studied in 20 samples each of these three chronic cutaneous inflammatory diseases. An immunohistochemical study was carried out to explore the presence of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and vimentin cytoskeleton antigens, CD31, CD34, Ki67, p16; CD105, CD163, CD206 and FOXP3 antigens; and the central fibrotic cytokine TGF‐β. Higher expression of vimentin in comparison to α‐SMA in all three lesion types was found. CD31‐ and CD34‐positive blood vessel endothelial cells were observed throughout the reticular dermis. Ki67 expression was low and almost absent in scleroderma. p16‐positive levels were higher than ki67 and observed in reticular dermis of keloidal collagen in keloids, in collagen bundles in scleroderma and in the external layers of the granulomas in lacaziosis. The presence of α‐actin positive cells and rarely CD34 positive cells, observed primarily in keloids, may be related to higher p16 antigen expression, a measure of cell senescence. Low FOXP3 expression was observed in all lesion types. CD105‐positive cells were mainly found in perivascular tissue in close contact with the adventitia in keloids and scleroderma, while, in lacaziosis, these cells were chiefly observed in conjunction with collagen deposition in the external granuloma layer. We did not find high involvement of CD163 or CD206‐positive cells in the fibrotic process. TGF‐β was notable only in keloid and lacaziosis lesions. In conclusion, we have suggested vimentin to be the main myofibroblast general marker of the fibrotic process in all three studied diseases, while endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and M2 macrophages may not play an important role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lobomycosis is a chronic disease caused by Lacazia loboi, which is endemic to the Amazon rainforest, where it affects forest dwellers in Brazil. There is no disease control program and no official therapeutic protocol. This situation contributes to an unknown disease prevalence and unmet needs of people disabled by this disease who seek access to treatment. This review provides an update on the subject with an emphasis on therapeutic advances in humans. All relevant studies that addressed epidemiology, diagnosis, or therapeutics of lobomycosis were considered. Seventy-one articles published between 1931 and 2021 were included for a narrative literature review on the epidemiology and quest for a cure. An effective therapy for lobomycosis has been found following decades of research led by the State Dermatology Program of Acre in the Amazon rainforest, where the largest number of cases occur. This discovery opened new avenues for future studies. The main recommendations here, addressed to the Brazilian Ministry of Health, are for lobomycosis to become a reportable disease to ensure that disease prevalence is measured, and that it be prioritized such that affected individuals may access treatment free-of-charge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: blastomycosis; DNA sequencing; lacaziosis; lobomycosis; South America EN blastomycosis DNA sequencing lacaziosis lobomycosis South America 957 959 3 10/14/22 20221101 NES 221101 Lobomycosis, also known as lacaziosis or keloidal blastomycosis, is a slowly progressive, chronic fungal infection of the skin caused by the organism I Lacazia loboi i endemic to the subtropical regions of Central and South America.1-4 Most cases of lobomycosis have a preceding history of skin trauma with a variable clinical presentation.2,3 Treatment of lobomycosis is exceptionally challenging, especially given its prolonged incubation period and frequent delay in diagnosis.2,4 We report a case of widespread lobomycosis with the formation of deep satellite lesions as well as laboratory confirmation and related genetic findings via DNA sequencing. Punch biopsies of the left knee and left forearm lesions were performed for histopathology and culture. Blastomycosis, DNA sequencing, lacaziosis, lobomycosis, South America. [Extracted from the article]

Lobomycosis is a disease that is endemic to the Amazon rainforest and is caused by the still uncultured fungus Lacazia loboi. This disease occurs in loggers, farmers, miners, fishermen, and persons living near coastal rivers of this region. We report 6 soldiers in Colombia in whom lobomycosis developed after military service in the Amazon area. The patients had nodular and keloid-like lesions on the face, neck, trunk, and limbs. The duration of illness ranged from 2 years to 15 years. The initial diagnosis was leishmaniasis on the basis of clinical manifestations and direct smear results, but biopsies confirmed the final diagnosis of lobomycosis. Treatment with surgical excision, itraconazole and clofazimine was satisfactory. However, the follow-up time was short. Healthcare professionals responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases need to be able to recognize the clinical signs of lobomycosis and differentiate them from those of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

ABSTRACT Lacaziosis is a cutaneous mycosis caused by the fungus Lacazia loboi, described in different countries of Latin America and prevalent in the Amazon region. The ineffective immune response against the agent seems to be related to a Th2 pattern of cytokines. There are few reports exploring elements of the humoral response in these lesions. Our aim was to investigate some elements focusing on B cells, plasma cells and local expression of IgG and IgM antibodies. Forty skin biopsies of lower limbs were selected. The diagnosis of lacaziosis was based on direct mycological examination and histological analysis. The visualization of fungal cells was improved by using Gridley’s staining. An immunohistochemical protocol was performed to detect the expression of B cells, plasma cells, IgG and IgM. A double staining was performed to explore the presence of yeasts in the cytoplasm of keratinocytes, using an anti-AE1 AE3 antibody over Gridley’s staining. The inflammatory infiltrate consisted of macrophages, multinucleated giant cells, lymphocytes, and fibrosis. Fungal cells were frequent in the stratum corneum and in both, the dermis and, in 50% of the specimens, also in the epidermis. Cells expressing IgG were more abundant when compared to cells expressing IgM. B cells and the presence of IgG might indicate that the humoral response promotes a Th2 immune response resulting in an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Our results lead us to suggest a possible role of B cells and immunoglobulins in the mechanisms of lacaziosis pathogenesis.

Lacaziosis is a cutaneous chronic mycosis caused by Lacazia loboi. Macrophages are important cells in the host immune response in fungal infections. The macrophage population exhibits strong plasticity that varies according to the stimuli in the microenvironment of lesions M1 profile promotes a Th1 pattern of cytokines and a microbicidal function and M2 is related to Th2 cytokines and immunomodulatory response. We investigated the population of M1 and M2 polarized macrophages in human cutaneous lesions. A total of 27 biopsies from human lesions were submitted to an immunohistochemistry protocol using antibodies to detect M1 and M2 macrophages (Arginase-1, CD163, iNOS, RBP-J and cMAF). We could observe high number of cells expressing Arginase1, CD163 and c-MAF that correspond to elements of the M2 profile of macrophage, over iNOS and RBP-J (elements of the M1 profile). The results suggest a predominant phenotype of M2 macrophages, which have an immunomodulatory role and probably contributing to chronicity of Lacaziosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lobomycosis is a disease that is endemic to the Amazon rainforest and is caused by the still uncultured fungus Lacazia loboi. This disease occurs in loggers, farmers, miners, fishermen, and persons living near coastal rivers of this region. We report 6 soldiers in Colombia in whom lobomycosis developed after military service in the Amazon area. The patients had nodular and keloid-like lesions on the face, neck, trunk, and limbs. The duration of illness ranged from 2 years to 15 years. The initial diagnosis was leishmaniasis on the basis of clinical manifestations and direct smear results, but biopsies confirmed the final diagnosis of lobomycosis. Treatment with surgical excision, itraconazole and clofazimine was satisfactory. However, the follow-up time was short. Healthcare professionals responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases need to be able to recognize the clinical signs of lobomycosis and differentiate them from those of cutaneous leishmaniasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous granulomas in dolphins were believed to be caused by Lacazia loboi, which also causes a similar disease in humans. This hypothesis was recently challenged by reports that fungal DNA sequences from dolphins grouped this pathogen with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. We conducted phylogenetic analysis of fungi from 6 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) with cutaneous granulomas and chains of yeast cells in infected tissues. Kex gene sequences of P. brasiliensis from dolphins showed 100% homology with sequences from cultivated P. brasiliensis, 73% with those of L. loboi, and 93% with those of P. lutzii. Parsimony analysis placed DNA sequences from dolphins within a cluster with human P. brasiliensis strains. This cluster was the sister taxon to P. lutzii and L. loboi. Our molecular data support previous findings and suggest that a novel uncultivated strain of P. brasiliensis restricted to cutaneous lesions in dolphins is probably the cause of lacaziosis/lobomycosis, herein referred to as paracoccidioidomycosis ceti.

'Paracoccidioidomycosis ceti' is a rare zoonotic fungal infection affecting dolphins and is endemic worldwide. The causative agents are Paracoccidioides species; however, it is impossible to isolate the fungal species. We isolated Trichosporon asteroides from multifocal, irregularly raised skin lesions on a female bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus) captured off coast of Japan, which was suspected to have 'paracoccidioidomycosis ceti.' An abundance of round, yeast-like cells was detected in a potassium hydroxide direct-mount specimen of the skin samples; however, nested PCR targeting the partial sequence of 43-kDa glycoprotein-coding gene correspondent to Paracoccidioides sp. was negative. Biopsied tissue samples were cultured on brain heart infusion agar plates supplemented with chloramphenicol, 1% yeast extract, and 4% sodium chloride (4% NaCl-BHI), on Mycosel agar with 4% sodium chloride (4% NaCl-Mycosel), and on potato dextrose agar supplemented with chloramphenicol (CPDA) at 35 °C for 4 weeks. Cream-colored and wrinkled colonies consisting of hyphae and arthroconidia grew on 4% NaCl-BHI and CPDA, while film-like colonies composed of arthroconidia and round yeast-like cells developed on 4% NaCl-Mycosel. Although these primary cultures resembled fresh isolates of P. brasiliensis, they were identified as Trichosporon asteroides based on routine mycological studies and the internal transcribed spacer regions of ribosomal RNA sequences. The results suggested that trichosporonosis caused by T. asteroides might remain latent among cases of 'paracoccidioidomycosis ceti' diagnosed without cultures and molecular biological analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La lacaziosis es una rara micosis cutánea y subcutánea, de evolución crónica, ocasionada por el hongo profundo Lacazia loboi. Ha sido descrita principalmente en regiones tropicales y subtropicales.Clínicamente se caracteriza por lesiones cutáneas de aspecto queloideano y progresión lenta. La enfermedad se presenta más frecuentemente en adultos varones que desempeñan actividades laborales en el campo. Se presenta el caso de un paciente masculino de 68 años, agricultor, con una dermatosis crónica localizada en el miembro superior derecho, caracterizada por una neoformación compuesta por múltiples lesiones nodulares de aspecto queloideano con una lesión satélite proximal. El diagnóstico histopatológico fue compatible con una lacaziosis

Lacaziosis, formerly called as lobomycosis, is a zoonotic mycosis, caused by Lacazia loboi, found in humans and dolphins, and is endemic in the countries on the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean of Japanese coast. Susceptible Cetacean species include the bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus), the Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphin ( T. aduncus), and the estuarine dolphin ( Sotalia guianensis); however, no cases have been recorded in other Cetacean species. We diagnosed a case of Lacaziosis in a Pacific white-sided dolphin ( Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) nursing in an aquarium in Japan. The dolphin was a female estimated to be more than 14 years old at the end of June 2015 and was captured in a coast of Japan Sea in 2001. Multiple, lobose, and solid granulomatous lesions with or without ulcers appeared on her jaw, back, flipper and fluke skin, in July 2014. The granulomatous skin lesions from the present case were similar to those of our previous cases. Multiple budding and chains of round yeast cells were detected in the biopsied samples. The partial sequence of 43-kDa glycoprotein coding gene confirmed by a nested PCR and sequencing, which revealed a different genotype from both Amazonian and Japanese lacaziosis in bottlenose dolphins, and was 99 % identical to those derived from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis; a sister fungal species to L. loboi. This is the first case of lacaziosis in Pacific white-sided dolphin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report 1 case of lobomycosis caused by Lacazia loboi in a fisherman and 1 case of lobomycosis-like disease in a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) along the coast of Venezuela. These findings suggest that the marine environment is a likely habitat for L. loboi and a reservoir for infection.

Lobomycosis is a subcutaneous mycosis of chronic evolution caused by the Lacazia loboi fungus. Its distribution is almost exclusive in the Americas, and it has a particularly high prevalence in the Amazon basin. Cases of lobomycosis have been reported only in dolphins and humans. Its prevalence is higher among men who are active in the forest, such as rubber tappers, bushmen, miners, and Indian men. It is recognized that the traumatic implantation of the fungus on the skin is the route by which humans acquire this infection. The lesions affect mainly exposed areas such as the auricles and upper and lower limbs and are typically presented as keloid-like lesions. Currently, surgical removal is the therapeutic procedure of choice in initial cases. Despite the existing data and studies to date, the active immune mechanisms in this infection and its involvement in the control or development of lacaziosis have not been fully clarified. In recent years, little progress has been made in the appraisal of the epidemiologic aspects of the disease. So far, we have neither a population-based study nor any evaluation directed to the forest workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are characterized by expression of CD123 and BDCA-2 (Blood Dendritic Cell Antigen 2) (CD303) molecules, which are important in innate and adaptive immunity. Chromoblastomycosis (CBM), lacaziosis or Jorge Lobo's disease (JLD), and paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), are noteworthy in Latin America due to the large number of reported cases. The severity of lesions is mainly determined by the host's immune status and in situ responses. The dendritic cells studied in these fungal diseases are of myeloid origin, such as Langerhans cells and dermal dendrocytes; to our knowledge, there are no data for pDCs. Forty-three biopsies from patients with CBM, 42 from those with JLD and 46 diagnosed with PCM, were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Plasmacytoid cells immunostained with anti-CD123 and anti-CD303 were detected in 16 cases of CBM; in those stained with anti-CD123, 24 specimens were obtained from PCM. We did not detect the presence of pDCs in any specimen using either antibody in JLD. We believe that, albeit a secondary immune response in PCM and CBM, pDCs could act as a secondary source of important cytokines. The BDCA-2 (CD303) is a c-type lectin receptor involved in cell adhesion, capture, and processing of antigens. Through the expression of the c-lectin receptor, there could be an interaction with fungi, similar to other receptors of this type, namely, CD207 in PCM and CD205 and CD209 in other fungal infections. In JLD, the absence of expression of CD123 and CD303 seems to indicate that pDCs are not involved in the immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Lobomycosis is a subcutaneous mycosis of chronic evolution caused by the Lacazia loboi fungus. Its distribution is almost exclusive in the Americas, and it has a particularly high prevalence in the Amazon basin. Cases of lobomycosis have been reported only in dolphins and humans. Its prevalence is higher among men who are active in the forest, such as rubber tappers, bushmen, miners, and Indian men. It is recognized that the traumatic implantation of the fungus on the skin is the route by which humans acquire this infection. The lesions affect mainly exposed areas such as the auricles and upper and lower limbs and are typically presented as keloid-like lesions. Currently, surgical removal is the therapeutic procedure of choice in initial cases. Despite the existing data and studies to date, the active immune mechanisms in this infection and its involvement in the control or development of lacaziosis have not been fully clarified. In recent years, little progress has been made in the appraisal of the epidemiologic aspects of the disease. So far, we have neither a population-based study nor any evaluation directed to the forest workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presents a case study concerning a 64-year-old Greek female farmer with erythematous plaque on her left inner thigh resembling a keloid. It notes that the diagnosis has been based on the absence of fungal growth, histopathology and positive direct microscopic examination. It mentions that the patient has been documented as the first patient of human lobomycosis in Southeastern Europe.

The article evaluates the impact of lacaziosis on wild, common bottlenose dolphins that inhabit Sarasota Bay and Charlotte Harbor in Florida. The chronic skin disease happens exclusively on humans and dolphins by contracting the fungal pathogen Lacazia loboi. The study was done by using historic photographic records of dolphins captured and freed and diagnosing photo identification research for proofs of lesions associated with the disease. Results show that prevalence of the disease on dolphins in Sarasota Bay was within 2 to 3 percent and 2 percent for dolphins in the Charlotte Harbor.

The article presents a study that deals with modeling and quantification of the progression of lacaziosis lesions in three common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus from Sarasota Bay, Florida. The authors used photographic data from long-term photo-identification and health assessment projects to model lacaziosis lesion progression in the common bottlenose dolphins. They also examined dorsal fin images for lesion growth throughout each animal's sighting history. They highlighted the importance of the study as the utility of long-term population monitoring data for tracking the progression of lacaziosis lesions.

Abstract: Jorge Lobo''s disease is a chronic infection caused by the fungus Lacazia loboi endemic in South America. The infection is characterized by the appearance of parakeloidal, ulcerated or verrucous nodular or plaque-like cutaneous lesions. The histopathological aspect is characterized by poorly organized granulomas with histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells. Little is known about local immune response in lobomycosis skin lesions. Thirty-three skin biopsies from patients with Jorge Lobo''s disease were selected from Ambulatory of Dermatology, UFPA. The control group was constituted by ten biopsies from normal skin. Langerhans cells were identified by immunohistochemistry using anti-CD1a antibody (Serotec). The number of positive cells was statistically analyzed. Langerhans cells were visualized along the epidermis in biopsies from Jorge Lobo''s disease and the morphology and the number of Langerhans cells did not differ from normal skin (p >0.05). In Jorge Lobo''s disease, this cell population probably presents some escape mechanism of the local immune system to evade the antigen presentation by those cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Lacazia loboi is a geographically restricted, uncultivated fungal pathogen of humans and dolphins. Previous investigations using 18S small unit rDNA, chitin synthase 2 and gp43 DNA sequences positioned L. loboi as a close relative of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. However, given the few individuals of L. loboi studied and the high degree of genetic variation observed in P. brasiliensis, the existence of L. loboi as an independent species has been questioned. To investigate the phylogenetic position of this species, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis using 20 L. loboi collections (L. loboi was obtained from proven cases of lacaziosis and 14 collections were maintained in mice, the others were analyzed from DNA taken directly from infected human tissue.). L. loboi DNA sequence was compared to that from 17 P. brasiliensis strains that represented the known variation in this species, and outgroup taxa in the Onygenales (Ajellomyces and Coccidioides species). Our analyses used DNA sequence from ITS rRNA, and partial coding sequences of chitin synthase 4, ADP-ribosylation factor, and gp43. Nucleotide variation among strains of L. loboi was minor but numerous nucleotide mismatches and multiple gaps were found for these gene regions among members in the Ajellomycetaceae, including P. brasiliensis. Phylogenies inferred using neighbor-joining, maximum parsimony and Bayesian analyses showed no significant conflict and depicted L. loboi as a well-supported, monophyletic group that was sister to the Paracoccidioides clade. These results argue for maintaining L. loboi as a taxon independent from Paracoccidioides within the Ajellomycetaceae. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lobomycosis (lacaziosis) is a chronic fungal disease of the skin that affects only dolphins and humans. Previous studies have shown a high prevalence of lobomycosis in bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus) from the Indian River Lagoon, Florida (IRL). We studied the occurrence and distribution of lobomycosis in the IRL using photo-identification survey data collected between 1996 and 2006. Our objectives were to (1) determine the sensitivity and specificity of photo-identification for diagnosis of lobomycosis in free-ranging dolphins; (2) determine the spatial distribution of lobomycosis in the IRL; and (3) assess temporal patterns of occurrence. Photographs from 704 distinctly marked dolphins were reviewed for skin lesions compatible with lobomycosis. The presumptive diagnosis was validated by comparing the results of photographic analysis with physical examination and histologic examination of lesion biopsies in 102 dolphins captured and released during a health assessment and 3 stranded dolphins. Twelve of 16 confirmed cases were identified previously by photography, a sensitivity of 75%. Among 89 dolphins without disease, all 89 were considered negative, a specificity of 100%. The prevalence of lobomycosis estimated from photographic data was 6.8% (48/704). Spatial distribution was determined by dividing the IRL into six segments based on hydrodynamics and geographic features. The prevalence ranged from <1% in the Mosquito Lagoon to 16.9% in the south Indian River. The incidence of the disease did not increase during the study period, indicating that the disease is endemic, rather than emerging. In summary, photo-identification is a useful tool to monitor the course of individual and population health for this enigmatic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Jorge Lobo''s disease, or lacaziosis, is a chronic deep mycosis that clinically manifests as solid, variable-sized nodular parakeloidal lesions. Few studies have characterized the in situ cellular and humoral immune response, especially the involvement of cytokines with immunosuppressive effects such as TGF-β. The objective this paper was to analyze the expression of TGF-β in cutaneous lesions in lacaziosis and investigate its importance in the etiopathogy of the disease. The results indicate that the abundance of collagen bands, together with weak immunolabeling for CD68 seen in macrophages, indicates a concomitant effect of TGF-β inhibiting macrophages and inducing fibrosis, which is responsible for the keloid aspect frequently acquired by these lesions. Finally, the evolution of the infection supports the hypothesis that TGF-β plays a fundamental role in the etiopathology of Lacazia loboi infection, either by inhibiting the cellular immune response mainly mediated by macrophages or by inducing fibrosis. Further studies are necessary to better characterize the phenotype of the inflammatory infiltrate as well as the participation of other cytokines and growth factors in the tissue response of the host in Jorge Lobo''s disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lacazia loboi, the aetiological agent of lacaziosis (Jorge Lobo's disease), is an uncultivated anomalous fungal microbe closely related to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, both restricted Latin American Pathogens. Early reports suggesting that L. loboi had been isolated in pure culture from cases of lacaziosis, only added more confusion to the already confusing aetiology of this disease. These strains were later identified as unusual contaminants and some of them as P. brasiliensis. Recent phylogenetic analysis grouped L. loboi as the sister taxon to P. brasiliensis, thus it was postulated that the original P. brasiliensis strains recovered from cases of lacaziosis, could be the aetiological agent of the disease. Using molecular methodologies, we investigated the archival P. brasiliensis isolate No. 525 from a case of lacaziosis, as well as other archival isolates, identified earlier as common contaminants, all recovered from similar cases of the disease. Phylogenetic analysis, using the 18S small subunit rDNA sequences of these isolates showed that strain No. 525 was a typical P. brasiliensis isolate and the other studied strains were indeed contaminants. This study unequivocally indicates that the aetiological agent of lacaziosis is yet to be cultured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a study which examined lacaziosis (lobomycosis) in bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in the Atlantic Ocean along the coast of Florida. The study used photo-identification data collected between 2002 and 2008 to examine the prevalence of the disease in coastal dolphins. It found a lower prevalence of the disease in dolphins found in the ocean. The study also suggested that the lack of movement of dolphins in their habitats may favor the viability of the spread of lacaziosis.