What are Fungal Infections?
Fungal infections represent the invasion of tissues by one or more species of fungi. They range from superficial, localized skin conditions to deeper tissue infections to serious lung, blood (septicemia) or systemic diseases. Some fungi are opportunistic while others are pathogenic, causing disease whether the immune system is healthy or not. Fungi are one of four major groups of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi). They that exist in nature in one of two forms: as unicellular yeasts or as branching filamentous molds (also may be spelled as “moulds”). Some fungi are dimorphic – they change from one form to another depending on their environment. While yeasts cannot be seen with the naked eye, molds can be seen as the fuzzy splotches on overripe fruit or stale bread, as mildew in the bathroom shower, and as mushrooms growing on a rotted log. There are more than 50,000 species of fungi in the environment, but less than 200 species are associated with human disease. O
