Which disease is commonly caused by fungi?

Athlete's foot is commonly caused by fungi, specifically a group of fungi known as dermatophytes. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments and can infect the skin on the feet, leading to symptoms such as itching, redness, and scaling. The disease is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or by touching surfaces where the fungi are present, such as locker rooms and swimming pools.

The other options represent diseases caused by different pathogens. Malaria is caused by protozoan parasites, primarily Plasmodium species, which are transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Lice are parasitic insects that infest the hair and skin of humans; they do not involve fungal infections. Chicken pox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is a viral infection that leads to a characteristic skin rash. Each of these diseases has a distinct etiology, making athlete's foot the correct answer in the context of fungal infections.