Which fungal disease is noted for being more prevalent in mature males?

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Paracoccidioidomycosis is known to have a higher prevalence in mature males, primarily due to factors such as occupational exposure and lifestyle. This fungal disease is caused by the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, which is endemic in certain regions of Latin America.

The disease is often linked to agricultural work, where men may be more frequently exposed to the spores of the fungus present in the soil. Additionally, hormonal factors may also influence susceptibility, as there is evidence suggesting that testosterone has an effect on the immune response against this particular fungus.

In contrast, other fungal diseases mentioned are generally more widespread across genders or do not have such a pronounced male predominance in their epidemiological patterns. For instance, histoplasmosis and blastomycosis can affect individuals regardless of gender, and mycetoma, while also associated with specific demographic factors, does not exhibit the same marked gender distinction as paracoccidioidomycosis. This context highlights the unique epidemiological characteristics of paracoccidioidomycosis in mature males.

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