Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, a pathogenic dimorphic fungus geographically restricted to
Latin America, is the causative agent of paracoccidioidomycosis, one of the most recurrent systemic
mycoses in the region. Since its first description in 1908 by Adolpho Lutz in Brazil, P. brasiliensis has
been considered the only species within the genus Paracoccidioides. Recent phylogenetic data have
revealed the presence of cryptic species, namely P. brasiliensis S1, PS2 and PS3, and a well separated
species, labeled P. lutzii as a tribute to Lutz. In this review, we bring together information that supports
the existence of these new phylogenetic species, as well as summarize extensive works published on
molecular aspects of dimorphism and morphogenesis done in classical strains of P. brasiliensis and also
in P. lutzii (isolate Pb01). In doing so, we will attempt to analyze possible differences in their metabolic
pathways, that may contribute to facilitate species differentiation and help researchers and clinicians to
better understand the variety of pathologies so far reported in paracoccidioidomycosis.
Keywords: Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, Paracoccidioides lutzii, dimorphism, morphogenesis, molecular
taxonomy, phylogenetic species, differentiation, paracoccidioidomycosis, adolpho lutz, mycelium, yeast,
morphogenesis, conidia, cell wall.
