Deforestation is a common occurrence driven by agricultural expansion, urbanization, and infrastructure development. These activities often lead to increased human interaction with ecosystems, potentially exposing individuals to Paracoccidioides spores (
P. brasiliensis and
P. lutzii) found in the soil, resulting in Paracoccidioidomycosis
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Deforestation is a common occurrence driven by agricultural expansion, urbanization, and infrastructure development. These activities often lead to increased human interaction with ecosystems, potentially exposing individuals to Paracoccidioides spores (
P. brasiliensis and
P. lutzii) found in the soil, resulting in Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). This fungal infection is endemic to specific regions in Latin America, such as Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and Argentina. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical assessment, imaging techniques, and laboratory examinations.
P. lutzii lacks the glycoprotein Gp43, a key antigenic protein utilized in serological tests for PCM diagnosis. In this study, a colorimetric test employing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and label-free methodology was employed for
P. lutzii detection. The effectiveness of the label-free colorimetric test was assessed using a total of 100 samples. This detection was achieved through the amplification of the gp43 gene and the use of a specific probe (5′CAGGGGTGCG3′) in conjunction with AuNPs. The receiver operating characteristic curve was employed to assess the test, revealing that the method can accurately detect
P. lutzii with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 100%. The findings indicate a substantial impact on remote endemic regions attributable to the implementation of cost-effective diagnostic methodologies.
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