[The coconut babaçu (Orbignya phalerata martins) as a probable risk of human infection by the agent of chromoblastomycosis in the State of Maranhão, Brazil].

During a survey of 30 patients with chromoblastomycosis followed at the Hospital dos Servidores do Estado do Maranhão, the authors observed in 2 (6.6%) patients with lesions on the buttock. This is an uncommon site for the initial lesions of chromoblastomycosis. There is often a history of microtraumatism during the farming job hence the more frequent development of lesions in the lower limbs. Both patients had 10 years disease, with the presence of nodules and vegetant warty lesions in coalescent plaques on the right buttock. Etiologic diagnosis made through histopatologic and culture exams, with Fonsecaea pedrosoi isolated. The epidemiological exposure of the patients, was suggested by the fact that both worked as babaçu coconut cutters a common activity in Maranhão State. The relation between this kind of professional activity and the development of infection merits for the investigation.