Inflammatory condition caused by a fungus. Common fungal infections are candidiasis, tinea (ring-worm), and coccidioidomycosis.
Pathological invasion of the body by yeast or other fungi. Fungi are most likely to produce disease in patients whose immune defenses are compromised.
Fungal infections, also referred to as mycoses, encompass a diverse group of diseases resulting from the proliferation and dissemination of fungi. These infections can vary from mild and inconspicuous to severe, and in certain cases, they can even be life-threatening. Apart from causing infections, fungi are also responsible for some allergic disorders like allergic alveolitis and asthma.
Certain fungi are naturally present in harmless amounts in various areas of the body, such as the mouth, skin, intestines, and vagina. Typically, they are kept in check from multiplying excessively due to competition from bacteria. Additionally, the body’s immune system prevents other fungi from proliferating to harmful levels.
Fungal infections are more prevalent in individuals taking antibiotic drugs, as these drugs eliminate bacterial competition. Additionally, people with weakened immune systems, caused by immunosuppressant drugs, corticosteroid drugs, conditions like AIDS, or undergoing chemotherapy, are also at higher risk for such infections. These severe fungal infections are known as opportunistic infections, as they exploit the body’s weakened defenses. Furthermore, some fungal infections are more common in individuals with diabetes mellitus.
Fungi responsible for skin infections thrive in warm and moist environments, making places like the areas between the toes and the genital area particularly conducive for their growth.
Fungal infections can be categorized into three main types: superficial, which affects the skin, hair, nails, inside of the mouth, and genital organs; subcutaneous, which occurs beneath the skin; and deep, which affects internal organs.
The primary superficial infections include tinea, which encompasses ringworm and athlete’s foot, as well as candidiasis (thrush). Both of these infections are widespread. Tinea affects external areas of the body, while candidiasis, caused by the yeast CANDIDA ALBICANS, typically affects the genitals or the inside of the mouth.
Subcutaneous infections are infrequent, with sporotrichosis being the most common among them. Sporotrichosis can develop following contamination from a scratch. Other conditions of this kind, notably mycetoma, are primarily prevalent in tropical countries.
Deep fungal infections are not common, but they pose a significant risk to individuals with weakened immune systems or those undergoing immunosuppressive treatment. These types of infections encompass aspergillosis, histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and blastomycosis, each caused by distinct fungal species. The entry point for these fungal spores is through inhalation into the lungs. Additionally, candidiasis can extend beyond its typical infection sites and impact the esophagus, urinary tract, and other internal tissues.
Fungal infections are typically treated using antifungal drugs, which can be applied topically to the affected area or administered orally for more widespread infections.