(chromomycosis endemic in venezuela : a control strategy)

Chromomycosis is a cosmopolitan disease frequently reported from tropical countries. Studies done at Falcon State to understand and control the endemic were reviewed. Venezuela Northwestern region casuistry was denoted : Falcón State 484 (54%), Lara State 178 (20%), Zulia State 181 (20%). Reserváreas of the two most frequents agents : Cladophialophora carrioni : and Fonsecaea pedrosoi were delimited. We postulated that parasitic forms of these dimorfic melanized fungi could be an immune resistance mechanism. Geneaological studies of susceptible familiar groups proved a high frecuency (25%) of consanguineous matrimonies. Treatment of small lesions was sucessful with topic 5-Fluoruracilo or Ajoene and reduced the risk of long evolution cases with irreversible deformities. Looking for cases within the patient relatives assure the vigilance with his participation allowed to reduce the number of actives lesions. This rational strategy was applied with medical students assistance to control the endemic during rural stay