Fungi are microscopic plants. They grow in either a yeast form or a mold form. Most fungi that cause disease in humans do so when airborne spores are inhaled into the respiratory system or when these spores penetrate the skin or cornea. Most of the fungal organisms that produce disease tend to do so through only one route. For example, ringworm and pityriasis versicolor infect the body through penetration of the skin. Histoplasmosis and coccidiomycosis are usually inhaled. Rarely, does ingestion of fungi lead to overt infection. Most types of fungal infections that occur in humans are not readily transmittable. Impairment of the immune system is also an important component affecting fungal infections. Diseases or conditions that lead to impairment of the human immune system allow the individual to be more likely to develop a host of fungal infections.
Causes of Fungal Infection
There are numerous fungal agents that lead to infections. As discussed before, these include ringworm, pityriasis versicolor and piedra. In addition, skin infections with Sporotrichosis and mycetoma occur. Candida frequently affects mucus membranes. Histoplasmosis, Blastomycosis and coccidiomycosis all primarily affect the respiratory tract. Aspergillosis tends to affect primarily immune compromised individuals. Cryptococcus frequently results in meningitis or other infections of the central nervous system.
Signs and Symptoms of Fungal Infection
Many of the airborne agents of fungal disease produce infection in the lungs. This leads to cough, fever and chest pain. Muscle aches and malaise may also occur. Cryptococcus tends to involve the central nervous system with meningitis. This produces headache, stiff neck, fever, nausea, blurred vision and confusion. Other specific neurological deficits may develop as particular parts of the brain are injured. Candida frequently produces infections in moist areas. These include the mouth, the anus the vagina and under the arms. The esophagus can be involved, particularly in immune suppressed people. Reddened tissue develops with white patches. Ulceration of the tissue may occur. Infections of the urinary tract may develop leading to painful, burning urination and mild fever. People that have had some type of instrumentation or catheterization of the urinary tract are at increased risk.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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