BIO 20 SECOND LONG HANDOUTS

1. FUNGAL DISEASES
Fungi - includes eukaryotes like mushrooms, as well as
microorganisms such as yeasts and molds
Mycology-the discipline of biology devoted to the study of fungi
Genetic studies have shown that fungi are more closely related to
animals than to plants.
Most fungi are not dangerous.
Fungi can grow in or on the body, causing infections of internal
organs or of the skin, nails, and hair (referred to as fungal
infections).
Many people at risk for and suffering from fungal diseases live in
resource-limitd settings, where diagnosis and treatment of these
infections can be challenging.
PEOPLE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FUNGAL INFECTIONS
1. HIV infected people
2. hospitalized patients
3. organ transplant recipients
4. stem cell transplant recipients
5. cancer patients
6. medicine that weaken immune system
Phytopathology-scientific study of diseases in plants caused by pathogens and
physiological factors
Majority of phytopathogenic fungi belong to the Ascomycetes (sac fungi) and the
Basidiomycetes.
CAUSES OF FUNGAL INFECTIONS
1. dampness and humidity
2. poor blood circulation
3. nail and skin injury or infection
Not all of the bodys defense mechanisms are infallible. As mentioned earlier, those
immune-suppressed are unable to fight fungal infection adequately. Prolonged use of
antibiotics destroys helpful bacteria as well, allowing fungi to colonize the skin and
mucous.

1. Dampness and Humidity

- Sweating profusely or working in a warm and humid environment can increase your
risk for a fungal infection. Fungi need a warm and moist environment to grow.
- Walking barefoot in damp places such as gyms, locker rooms, and showers can also
increase your risk. These public places are often rich in fungal spores and can lead to a
fungal infection.

Poor Blood Circulation

2.
-Any condition that causes poor blood circulation in the skin can lead to infection.
Poor circulation hinders the immune response and decreases its ability to fight fungal
infection.
3. Nail and Skin Injury or Infection
-Having a small nail or skin injury or infection enables fungi to penetrate the skin
and affect deeper tissues.
-Signs and Symptoms
1. usually begins between the toes
2. sore and inflamed
3. intense itching
4. dry and flaky or moist and weeping
5. cracks develop which lower natural defenses
a. Nails: (Athletes Foot)
-appear thickened and discolored and frequently have a
crumbly texture such as poor circulation to the nail bed, psoriasis
of the nails, etc.
-Diagnosis: The faster method uses the alkaline solution
potassium hydroxide (KOH).
-Treatment:
1. Keep the affected skin clean and dry. Use a hair dryer if
necessary.
2. Avoid standing barefoot on the bathroom floor. Regularly wash
floors where you walk bare foot.
3.requirement of physician's attention and systemic treatment
with prescribed antifungal medications

4. tablets that can be taken orally which eliminate the fungus from within the
body (systemically)
5. tablets that can be taken orally which eliminate the fungus from within the
body (systemically)
6. dequalinium chloride lozenges for oral candidiasis (Dequacaine, Dequadin)
-To reduce Reinfection
1. Do not share towels, sheets or personal clothing
2. Avoid walking bare foot where others may tread.
-Prevention
1. keeping the body (e.g. skin) dry and clean may probably
2. good daily foot hygiene