Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by breathing in tiny fungal spores from Histoplasma capsulatum, a fungus that grows in soil containing bird or bat droppings. The disease occurs worldwide, including in the Americas, Africa, and Asia, but is especially common in the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys of the United States. Studies show that 60–90% … Read more
Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP), also known as Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP), is a serious and potentially life-threatening lung infection caused by the fungus Pneumocystis jiroveci. This fungus is widespread in the environment and can be found in the lungs of healthy individuals without causing illness. However, it becomes dangerous when a person’s immune system is severely … Read more
Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection caused mainly by two species, Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. It is found worldwide and is most dangerous for people with weakened immune systems. This includes individuals with advanced HIV/AIDS, people who have received organ or stem cell transplants, and patients taking medications that suppress the immune system, such as … Read more
Aspergillosis is an infection caused by Aspergillus, a common type of mold found in soil, decaying plants, dust, and indoor environments. Although more than 300 species of Aspergillus exist, only a few cause illness in humans, with Aspergillus fumigatus being the most frequent source. The infection usually begins in the lungs, since people inhale the … Read more
Coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley Fever, is a fungal infection caused by breathing in tiny airborne spores from the fungi Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii. These fungi live in dry, sandy soil and are most common in hot desert regions. The spores become airborne when the soil is disturbed by wind, farming, or construction. People … Read more
Jock itch (also called tinea cruris) is a common fungal skin infection that usually affects the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks. It is caused by a type of fungus known as dermatophytes, which live on the outer layer of the skin, hair, and nails. The main fungi responsible are Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Epidermophyton … Read more
Ringworm (also called dermatophytosis or tinea) is a common fungal infection that affects the outer layer of the skin, the scalp, and the nails. It is caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes, mainly from the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm. The term … Read more
Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida species, most often Candida albicans. Candida is a type of yeast that normally lives on the skin and on moist surfaces inside the body, such as the mouth, throat, and genital area. In healthy conditions, it exists harmlessly alongside other microorganisms. However, if the … Read more
Fungi infections are caused by different types of fungi that can affect various parts of the body. These infections can range from mild to severe, and some may even be life-threatening. Fungi are present everywhere in our environment, and most of them are harmless. However, certain types of fungi can cause infections in people with … Read more