The infection is found beginning at about 23 degrees North latitude in Mexicoc and extends southwards to Argentina. It is not seen in Chile and the Caribbean Islands. Inhalation of conidia is presumably the route of acquisition.
Primary infection is asymptomatic in most cases.
The adult form usually manifests with painful ulcerated lesions in the mouth. Cavitary lesions may also be found. Hilar adenopathy is usually absent. The prognosis of paracoccidioidomycosis is good when treated, however treatment regimens are very long and relapse is frequent. P. brasiliensis has the peculiarity among the fungi of responding to treatment with sulfa drugs.