Detection of the fungus Paracoccidioides lutzii by colorimetric tests with gold nanoparticles

Abstract

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a fungal disease caused by Paracoccidioides lutzii or Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. The disease occurs through the inhalation of conidia of the fungus, being an endemic mycosis in rural areas, affecting individuals working with agricultural activities, who inhale the spores of the fungus when coming into contact with the soil. PCM is very common in Latin America, especially in Brazil. Currently, the serological tests for this disease are not effective because they present cross-reactions with other microorganisms. Because of its chemical and physical properties, nanotechnology has been developing new methodologies for the diagnosis of various diseases with the use of nanoparticles, specifically gold. The optical property, which allows the color change of the colloidal solution of gold nanoparticles allows the development of different colorimetric methods, such as the label free method, low cost and easy to perform. In this work, gold nanoparticles will be used as a sensor in the molecular detection of Paracoccidioides lutzii, contributing to a possible specific diagnosis for PCM. (AU)