Abstract INTRODUCTION:

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is the most prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America. This study aimed to evaluate the natural history of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis-induced experimental arthritis of the knee joints in Wistar rats.

METHODS:

Rats were randomly allocated to either an absolute control group, or 15-day, 45-day, or 90-day experimental (fungus-inoculated) groups.

RESULTS:

Experimental groups developed classic signs of articular PCM. Titers of anti-gp43 were observed to increase during the interval from 15 to 45 days post-inoculation.

CONCLUSIONS:

Articular arthritic lesions were induced and progressed during the study period in all experimental groups.