[Systemic tropical mycoses].

Systemic tropical mycoses have been emerging since the beginning of the AIDS epidemic. The incidence of these infections is probably even underestimated since most cases occur in populations with poor access to medical care in regions where modern diagnostic methods are unavailable. In Europe, this pathology is sometimes observed in returning travelers, aid workers, and immigrants. Differential diagnosis of imported systemic tropical mycosis may be difficult for uniformed physicians. The purpose of this review of the literature is to provide up-to-date epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic data on the six main systemic tropical mycoses with disseminated forms. The six mycoses described in this study are histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, paracoccidioidomycosis, blastomycosis, sporotrichosis, and penicilliosis due to Penicillium marneffei. Strictly superficial and subcutaneous mycoses are not covered.