Paracoccidioidomycosis. Light micrograph of a section through liver tissue containing the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. This fungus, (formerly called Blastomyces brasiliensis), is the cause of paracoccidioidomycosis. The large fungal cells bear one or several buds on their dark cell walls. The disease is probably acquired by inhalation of the fungus from the soil. It can infect the skin and mucous membranes, causing lesions and ulcers, or the internal organs, causing fever, weight loss, loss of breath, coughing and chest pain. It primarily affects men in South America. Treatment is with anti-fungal drugs. Magnification: x70 when printed 10cm wide.