Journal of medical microbiology
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Introduction. Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis caused by Paracoccidioides spp. As the disease is known to affect mostly men over 40 years old who previously worked handling soil, some cities of agricultural economy in endemic regions may have more cases of paracoccidioidal infection. ⋯ The low prevalence is in accordance with previous reports of lower PCM disease endemicity in Guarapuava than in other areas of Paraná. Although P. brasiliensis seems to be the prevalent strain of the region, 21 sera from people who only lived in Guarapuava reacted with P. lutzii LDR2. CFA-ELISA with whole antigens seems a good option for serological screening in epidemiological surveys.