Chapter Overview

Fungi are widespread eucaryotic microorganisms that are the agents of mycotic diseases.
Most fungal infections are acquired through contact with the environment, and only a few are transmissible from other infected humans.
The majority of mycotic infections are caused by molds and yeasts.
Most fungi are not invasive, and most are not obligate parasites.
Mycotic infections occur in the skin, mucous membranes, and many internal organs and systems.
True fungal pathogens cause primary pulmonary infections, and they display thermal dimorphism when they enter the tissues.
Opportunistic fungi invade only when host defenses have been weakened.
The primary fungal pathogens are endemic to specific regions, whereas the opportunists are distributed worldwide.
The main systemic mycoses are histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, blastomycosis, and paracoccidioidomycosis.
The primary subcutaneous infections are sporotrichosis, chromoblastomycosis, and mycetoma.
The cutaneous mycoses, caused by dermatophytes, include ringworm of the body, scalp, foot, and hand.
The most common opportunistic mycoses are candidiasis, cryptococcosis, and pneumocystis pneumonia.
Fungi are important agents of toxic diseases and allergies.
Fungal infections may be treated with a variety of antimicrobic drugs.

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