Disseminated histoplasmosis can be fatal.
astdhpphe.org
South American blastomycosis is a potentially fatal, chronic fungus infection
chclibrary.org
Fungus infections of the CNS
thamburaj.com
A systemic mycosis, which is an infection of the entire body, is typically more serious and can be fatal for individuals whose immune system has been weakened by diseases such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or cancer.
.............................................................
Fungi cause a number of human respiratory diseases. Coccidioidomycosis is caused by the yeast Coccidioides immitis. Although typically contracted by the inhalation of dust containing yeast spores, the fungus may also be introduced through the skin from infected soil. Initial symptoms may resemble the flu, with fever, cough, and possibly a skin rash, and the infection usually runs its course without specific treatment. In rare cases, the fungus penetrates internal tissues, such as the bones, joints, and brain, producing tumors that later form abscesses or ulcers. No treatment is available that can halt the course of this form of the disease.
Histoplasmosis is caused by the yeastlike fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which grows in pigeon, bat, and chicken droppings. Contracted by the inhalation of dust from animal droppings, by ingestion, or through the skin. The fungus causing histoplasmosis lives as a parasite in certain tissue and blood cells of the infected person. An infection in the respiratory system is similar to tuberculosis—small spots form in the lungs—although these lesions heal on their own. A progressive form typically invades the bone marrow and is rapidly fatal.
Aspergillosis is an infection of the skin, nasal sinuses, and lungs or other internal organs caused by molds of the genus Aspergillus. The disease, contracted by the inhalation of spores, occurs most often among agricultural workers. Itching and pain are frequent symptoms, and if scratching is prolonged, the skin may thicken and become gray or black. A virulent type of pneumonia is caused by the yeastlike fungus Pneumocystis carinii, particularly prevalent in people with compromised immune systems, such as AIDS patients.
Mycotoxins are poisons produced by fungal growth in cereals, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. More than 100 species of fungi produce these toxins. The most common mycotoxin is aflatoxin, produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Commonly found on corn, peanuts, and tree nuts, the toxin also can be transmitted to humans through the milk, meat, or eggs of animals fed contaminated grains. Aflatoxin is the most potent carcinogen, or potentially cancer-causing agent, yet discovered. Other mycotoxins include trichothecenes and zearalenone, compounds known to injure the intestines, bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus. They are produced by species of Fusarium that grow on grain, straw, or hay stored while damp. Occasionally, circumstances prevent the harvesting of grains during the autumn, and the grains lie dormant in the damp fields until they are harvested in the spring. These grains are especially vulnerable to trichothecenes and zearalenone contamination. A large outbreak of trichothecenes contamination occurred in Russia in early 1944 among hungry peasants who had been searching the winter fields for unharvested wheat and millet.
encarta.msn.com
Zygomycosis refers to the angiotropic (blood vessel-invading) infection produced by the various Zygomycetes. This disease is also sometimes referred to as mucormycosis, but the term zygomycosis is preferred. Click here to find out why! The most common species causing disease are Absidia corymbifera, Rhizomucor pusillus, and Rhizopus arrhizus.
Mycoses caused by members of the family Mucorales (and sometimes the family Entomophthorales) are generally acute and rapidly developing in debilitated patients. The disease is associated with the acidotic diabetics, malnourished children, and severely burned patients. It is also seen with leukemia, lymphoma, AIDS, and use of immunosuppressive therapy such as corticosteroids. The infection typically involves the rhino-facial-cranial area, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, skin, or less commonly other organ systems. The fungi show a predilection for vessel (arterial) invasion resulting in embolization and necrosis of surrounding tissue. Suppurative pyogenic reactions develop. Infections are typically acute and fulminant. Rhinocerebral disease in acidotic patients usually results in death, often within a few days
doctorfungus.org
There are fifty-five species of fungi that are considered to be pathogenic to man.
pearson-college.uwc.ca
encarta.msn.com |
