Diseases Caused by Fungi

D. H. Walker, M. R. McGinnis

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

In a eukaryotic kingdom of their own, fungi have interactions with humans ranging from colonization of skin by dermatophytes to local invasion of mucous membranes and deeper invasion with hematogenous dissemination. Various fungi are normal flora (e.g., Candida), opportunists that infect only persons with compromised host defenses (e.g., Aspergillus), and dimorphic organisms that are spore-forming molds in nature and convert into yeasts after entry as often occurs by inhalation (e.g., Histoplasma). Dimorphic fungi are capable of causing infections even in immunocompetent persons. The most frequently detected fungal structures in infected hosts are hyphae and budding yeast. Although detection of fungi invading tissue contributes to diagnosis, culture and mycologic identification provide a definitive answer.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationPathobiology of Human Disease
Subtitle of host publicationA Dynamic Encyclopedia of Disease Mechanisms
PublisherElsevier Inc.
Pages217-221
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9780123864567
ISBN (Print)9780123864574
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2014

Keywords

  • Aspergillosis
  • Blastomycosis
  • Candidiasis
  • Chromoblastomycosis
  • Coccidioidomycosis
  • Colonization
  • Cryptococcal meningitis
  • Cryptococcosis
  • Dematiaceous
  • Dermatophyte
  • Dermatophytosis
  • Eumycetoma
  • Fungus ball
  • Gomori methenamine silver stain
  • Granuloma
  • Hematogenous dissemination
  • Histoplasmosis
  • HoeppLi-Splendore phenomenon
  • Mucormycosis
  • Opportunistic infections
  • Paracoccidioidomycosis
  • PenicilLium marneffei
  • Phaeohyphomycosis
  • Pneumocystosis
  • Sporotrichosis
  • Superficial infection

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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