![](/olcweb/styles/shared/spacer.gif) | ![](/sites/dl/free/0072320427/title/cover_image.JPG) Foundations in Microbiology, 4/e Kathleen Park Talaro,
Pasadena City College Arthur Talaro
Fungal Diseases
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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