This research provides the first comprehensive genomic analysis of Paracoccidioides fungi that cause a serious respiratory disease in Latin America. The study reveals how these fungi evolved to cause disease and identifies potential targets for drug development. Key impacts on everyday life include: – Better understanding of how fungal pathogens evolve to cause human disease – Identification of new targets for developing antifungal medications – Insights into preventing and treating fungal infections – Improved knowledge of how fungi adapt to different environments – Potential applications for industrial uses of fungi based on their metabolic capabilities