Fungal diseases are infections caused by fungi.

What is Fungi?

According to the Biology Dictionary:
Fungi (singular: fungus) are a kingdom of usually multicellular eukaryotic organisms that are heterotrophs (cannot make their own food) and have important roles in nutrient cycling in an ecosystem. I.e., microorganisms that include yeasts, molds, and mushrooms.

– Fungi can thrive in the surrounding environment, on plants and animals, and inside the human body.

– The composition and structure of fungi vary depending on their type and function; hence some maybe beneficial, whereas others can cause diseases.

– Since fungi falls under the eukaryotes, they have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles in their cells.

– Fungi cell walls are made of a complex carbohydrate called chitin.

•REPRODUCTION : They reproduce either sexually or asexually by producing spores; small cells that can germinate into new fungi. Some may grow as hyphae, which are long, branching filaments that form a network called a mycelium.

– The spores through dispersal by air, water, animals, or humans, acquire a new habitat and multiply rapidly provided suitable conditions are in place.

   *🖋️ CLASSIFICATION OF FUNGI*:

– Fungi are classified into different groups based on their morphology, genetics, ecology, or physiology. I.e.,

1). Ascomycota / Sac Fungi: They reproduce through spores in sac-like structures called asci. Ascomycota fungi include: yeasts, molds, morels, truffles, and penicillium.

2). Basidiomycota / Club Fungi: They reproduce through spores on club-shaped structures called basidia. Club fungi include: mushrooms, puffballs, rusts, and smuts.

3). Zygomycota / Zygote Fungi: They reproduce through spores in thick-walled structures called zygosporangia. They consist of bread molds & some pathogens

4). Chytridiomycota / Chytrids: They reproduce through spores with flagella that allow them inhabit the aquatic space. E.g., some aquatic fungi and some parasite.

5). Glomeromycota / Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF): These form symbiotic relationships with plant roots and help them absorb nutrients from the soil.

  *🖋️ PREVENTION AND TREATMENT*: 

– The type and severity of the infection, and the health status of a person infected; affects the effectiveness of the prevention and treatment forms.

 *🔅PREVENTIVE MEASURES*

✓ Washing your hands regularly to wade off germs.

✓ Maintaining a dry and clean skin.

✓ Avoiding contact with infected people or animals.

✓ Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects to avoid contamination.

✓ Personal effects such as towels, clothes, or shoes shouldn't be shared.

✓ Wearing loose-fitting and breathable clothing.

✓ Avoiding exposure to moldy or damp environments.

✓ Eating a balanced and healthy diet daily.

✓ Getting enough sleep, exercise, and stress management to strengthen your immunity.

✓ Seeking medical attention if you have symptoms of a fungal infection .

✓ Practicing good general hygiene.

🔅 TREATMENT OPTIONS;

1). Antifungal medications; applied topically (on the skin), orally (by mouth), or intravenously (through a vein)

2). Surgery; to remove infected tissue or drain abscesses.

3). Immunotherapy; which boosts the body's natural defense against fungi

NOTE:- The effectiveness and duration of treatment may vary depending on the type of fungus, the location and extent of the infection, the response of the person to the treatment, and the presence of any underlying conditions or risk factors.

  *🔅PREDISPOSING FACTORS TO FUNGAL INFECTIONS*

1). A weak immune system that forms a leeway for infection due to underlying conditions such as HIV/AIDS , cancer , organ transplant , diabetes , or autoimmune disorders.

2). Taking immunosuppressants such as steroids and medications like chemotherapy.

3). Having a chronic lung disease such as asthma , chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) , or cystic fibrosis.

4). Having underlying skin conditions like: eczema , psoriasis , or acne

5). A history with antibiotic use or abuse.

6). Living or traveling to areas where certain fungi are endemic; increases the risk of infection.

7). Occupational activities that expose you to soil, plants, animals, or water that may be contaminated with fungi such as farming , gardening , construction , mining , fishing , hunting , or camping.

#Take-Home: – Avoid fungal-endemic environs and keep high levels of general hygiene to avoid being a victim of fungal attack/infections.

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