List of 26 Diseases Caused by Fungi

Diseases caused by fungi are responsible for the death of more than 1.5 million people, even when these diseases are easily avoidable. These diseases can affect everyone; hence, individuals must have a thorough knowledge of them to prevent serious complications.

These diseases often go undiagnosed despite how common they are, which delays treatment. Read on to know about diseases caused by fungi, symptoms, effects, treatment and many more!

Team Digit

What are Fungal Diseases?
Causes of Diseases
List of Diseases
Signs and Symptoms
Damages Caused by Fungi
Associated Risk Factors
Diagnostic Tests
Treatment Methods
Preventive Measures
Does Health Insurance Cover?
Frequently Asked Questions

What are Fungal Diseases?

Mycoses is a term used to refer to fungal diseases and infections caused by fungi, which exist in yeasts, moulds and mushrooms. The infections can affect many body parts, including internal organs like the lungs, skin, and nails. From mild conditions to life-threatening disorders, mycoses can be presented differently.

Some areas of the body are more prone to infection because of a warm and moist environment that provides favourable conditions for fungus growth. Antifungal medicines usually cure these diseases but must be diagnosed before complications. Because of their atypical symptoms, most people do not identify fungal infections early, leading to severe health problems.

What are the Causes of Diseases Caused by Fungi?

Several diseases caused by fungi also result from the entrance of fungal pathogens into the body, which can be achieved via inhalation, skin contact or food. This infection usually occurs when a person's immune system does not function well; hence, people become vulnerable to such fungi.

The growth of mould and dampness exposure are major factors contributing to the development of fungal diseases. Besides, some medical treatments like immunosuppressive drugs or antibiotics kill our bodies' defence mechanisms that are supposed to keep us safe against fungi.

Moreover, a few fungi reside on the skin and mucosal surfaces naturally, but an imbalance in this system leads to overgrowth and subsequent infection. Likewise, poor hygiene practices, close association with sick people and underlying conditions such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS increase the risk of further attacks from fungi.

26 Diseases Caused by Fungi

Fungi are single-celled or multi-celled eukaryotic organisms that are present in the environment. Some fungi (mushroom) are visible to the naked eye, and others are tiny, microscopic (yeast) thus can be found in a multitude of forms.

Following are some of the diseases caused by fungi,

Candidiasis: Candida species cause this infection that can attack the mouth, throat and genital areas, resulting in symptoms like white patches, itching and discomfort. In extreme cases, it may go to blood flow, leading to death.
Blastomycosis: This fungal disease is caused by Blastomyces species, mainly affecting the lungs and causing flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, and chest pain. It can spread to other body sites, including the skin and bones.
Histoplasmosis: This infection is mainly found in the lungs resulting from inhaling spores of a fungus called Histoplasma; its most common respiratory symptoms are coughing and shortness of breath.
Aspergillosis: This infection, which is caused by the fungus Aspergillus, may result in certain diseases, starting from simple allergic reactions to serious lung infections. It is common in people with weak immune systems and pre-existing lung problems.
Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever): Inhalation of soil spores with Coccidioides fungus leads to this illness, presenting symptoms such as fever, a cough or even fatigue. Arid regions are its common occurrence places.

Depending on the fungi and other factors, diseases can be of different types. These are as follows:

Fungal Diseases that Are Most Common

Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP): This fungus causes this critical lung infection that mainly affects individuals with weak immune systems, like those who have HIV/AIDS, leading to severe respiratory distress and possible death if untreated.
Fungal Nail Infections: These infections make nails discoloured, thickened, and brittle, often resulting in pain and discomfort. They usually affect toenails and are difficult to treat. In some cases, it may take longer periods of antifungal therapy.
Vaginal Candidiasis: It is a common yeast infection caused by an overgrowth of fungi in the vagina. This results in itching, burning, and a white discharge. Factors like antibiotics and weakened immunity can initiate the infection.
Candida Infections of the Mouth, Throat, and Oesophagus: They are responsible for white or creamy patches on the tongue, inner cheeks and throat, causing soreness and difficulty swallowing.

Ringworm (a Communicable Disease Caused by Fungi): A contagious fungal infection of the skin, scalp, or nails characterised by red, scaly, itchy patches which are often circular. It can also be transmitted through direct contact.

Fungal Diseases that Affect People with Poor Immunity System

Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP): One serious lung disease is PCP, which is caused by a fungus called Pneumocystis jirovecii in people with weakened immune systems, especially those living with HIV/AIDS.
Candidiasis: Candidiasis is an infection which is caused by Candida species, often leading to oral thrush, vaginal yeast infections, or systemic infections in individuals who are immunocompromised.
Aspergillosis: Aspergillus fungi infection leads to severe respiratory symptoms, particularly among people suffering from lung diseases or having low or weak immunity.
Talaromycosis: HIV/AIDS patients in Southeast Asia are usually affected by Talaromycosis, an infection caused by Talaromyces marneffei, and it can lead to life-threatening systemic illness.
Candida Auris Infection: Candida auris is a fungus that is multidrug-resistant and renowned for its ability to spread in healthcare facilities, presenting a significant threat to persons with weakened immune systems.
Invasive Candidiasis: When yeast enters the bloodstream, it results in invasive candidiasis, which can cause serious infections in organs like the brain, heart, eyes and bones, especially among people whose immunity has been compromised.
Cryptococcus Neoformans Infection: Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungus that causes severe brain infection (cryptococcal meningitis) that mainly affects individuals who have weak immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS.

Mucormycosis: Mucormycosis is an aggressive but rare fungal infection caused by Mucorales fungi affecting sinuses, lungs or brain, predominantly in patients with diabetes under poor control or immunosuppression.

Fungal Disease Caused Due to Living in Specific Area or While Travelling

Blastomycosis: This infection is prompted by Blastomyces species, which are found in damp earth and decaying wood in areas of the North American continent. It majorly affects the lungs but can spread to other organs.
Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever): Caused by Coccidioides fungi, this condition is endemic to dry areas such as southwestern parts of the United States. Its primary organ affected is the lung, causing flu-like symptoms and can eventually become chronic.
Histoplasmosis: This disease results from inhaling spores of Histoplasma fungi that often occur in bird and bat droppings within regions like the Ohio-Mississippi River valleys. It may cause mild to severe respiratory problems.
Cryptococcus Gattii Infection: Found in tropical and subtropical regions and the Pacific Northwest, Cryptococcus Gattii results in lung and brain infections. It can result in severe respiratory symptoms and fatal meningitis.
Paracoccidioidomycosis: This disease is endemic to Latin America and is caused by Paracoccidioides fungi that mainly affect the lungs. It may disseminate into other organs, leading to chronicity, especially among agricultural workers.

Other Fungal Diseases

Fungal Eye Infections: The eyes are sometimes attacked by fungi that cause keratitis or fungal eye infections. This occurs when they invade the cornea as a result of an injury to the organ or improper handling of contact lenses.
Mycetoma: Mycetoma is a slowly progressive chronic infection which mainly affects the skin, subcutaneous tissues and bones, especially on the feet. It will be shown to have no pain but very large swellings with discharge from which grains emerge.
Sporotrichosis: Sporotrichosis, also known as rose gardener's disease, is caused by a fungus known as Sporothrix schenckii. It commonly affects the skin after minor cuts made by thorns. Usually, it appears as nodules or ulcers on the lymphatic vessels.

The above section provides the list of diseases caused by fungi. Now, let's learn about the symptoms of these diseases.

Signs and Symptoms of Diseases Caused by Fungi

The diseases caused by fungi have their individual signs and symptoms. The symptoms of different fungal diseases are given in the table below:

Diseases Caused by Fungi	Symptoms of Diseases Caused by Fungi
Fungal Nail Infections	Discoloured (brown, white, yellow), thick, fragile or cracked nail
Vaginal Candidiasis	Itching or soreness in the vaginal area, pain/discomfort when urinating, unusual vaginal discharge, pain during sexual intercourse
Candida Infections of the Mouth, Throat, and Oesophagus	White patches on the tongue, the roof of the mouth, throat and inner cheeks, pain when eating or swallowing, cracking and redness at the corners of the mouth, loss of taste, redness or soreness
Ring Worms	Ring-shaped rash, itchy skin, hair loss, red, scaly, cracked skin
Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP)	Fever, fatigue, chills, difficulty breathing, chest pain, cough
Invasive Candidiasis	Fever, chills (people suffering from invasive candidiasis are usually sick; hence, it is difficult to diagnose specific symptoms)
Aspergillosis	Wheezing, fever (in rare cases), cough, coughing up blood, headache, decreased ability to smell, stuffiness, runny nose, weight loss, fatigue
Talaromycosis	Fever, cough, swollen lymph nodes, troubling breathing, swelling of the liver and spleen, diarrhoea, general discomfort, weight loss, abdominal pain
Candida Auris Infection	Fever, chills, tiredness, pain, redness and swelling, fluid leakage (if there's a site of incision)
Cryptococcus Neoformans Infection	Cough, chest pain, fever, shortness of breath, headache, confusion or changes in behaviour, nausea and vomiting, fever, neck pain, sensitivity to light
Mucormycosis	Nasal congestion, chest pain, shortness of breath, black lesions on the nasal bridge or upper inside of the mouth that quickly become more severe, fever, cough, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, one-sided facial swelling, headache, gastrointestinal bleeding
Blastomycosis	Fever, muscle aches or joint pain, weight loss, chest pain, cough, night sweats, fatigue
Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever)	Cough, fever, rash on upper body or legs, fatigue, shortness of breath, headache, night sweats
Histoplasmosis	Fever, chest pain, chills, headache, cough, fatigue, body aches
Cryptococcus Gattii Infection	Cough, nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light, shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, headache, confusion or changes in behaviour, neck pain
Paracoccidioidomycosis	Swollen lymph nodes, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, fever, lesions in the mouth and throat, weight loss, enlarged liver and spleen
Fungal Eye Infections	Eye pain, excessive tearing, blurred vision, eye redness, sensitivity to light, discharge from the eyes
Mycetoma	It starts with a painless lump under the skin, grows to open infection, and leads to small 'grains' that contain fungal spores
Sporotrichosis	Lump under the skin, slowly progressing to a larger bump (almost like an ulcer), joint pain, cough, shortness of breath, fever, chest pain.

Damages Caused by Fungi in Humans

The effects of fungal diseases can prove to be severe for people with poor immunity systems. It means those who are suffering from HIV/AIDS or who are undergoing chemotherapy and taking steroid medication have a higher chance of getting affected by fungal disease.

These diseases can spread to vital organs such as the brain and heart and can result in serious complications. These are as follows:

Endocarditis: This is an infection of the heart valves by fungi that leads to vegetation formation and damage to heart tissue. It can lead to heart failure and embolism and can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
Meningitis: It arises when fungi cause infection in the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This can lead to symptoms such as headaches, neck stiffness, fever and neurological harm or death.
Nephritis: This is a kidney infection caused by fungi, which inflames and damages kidney tissues. The symptoms include back pain, blood in urine, and fever. It may eventually progress into renal failure if not appropriately managed.
Abscess Formation: These infections can cause the formation of abscesses, when a pus pocket forms in tissues or organs, leading to localised discomfort, swelling and fever. These abscesses may happen in different body parts, including the brain and the lungs.
Organ Failure: Fungal infections spreading into important body organs cause significant inflammation and tissue destruction, culminating in organ failure. Lungs, liver or kidneys are some of the organs affected by this, which could be fatal.

Risk Factors Associated With Diseases Caused by Fungi

Certain environmental or health conditions trigger fungal diseases. These are as follows,

Humidity and dampness
Inadequate blood flow
Poor immunity system
Effects of certain medication such as antibiotics, long-term usage of corticosteroids
Chemotherapy/radiation
Individuals who have undergone organ transplantation
Infancy/aging

How are Diseases Caused by Fungi Diagnosed?

There are various methods to diagnose and identify the diseases that are caused by fungi. Below is a table which shows how these infections are diagnosed:

Diagnostic Test	Description
Clinical Examination	Microscopic examination of clinical samples (scraping of scaling pieces of the affected area, i.e. skin/nails). The medical history and consideration of risks guides further testing.
Microscopic Examination	Molecular diagnostics and antigen detection in clinical samples. These samples must be cleared with KOH (potassium hydroxide) to make them more visible and show fungi.
Culture	This involves growing must specimens on special media to identify the organism in question through culturing. The organisms are confirmed as fungi by this means.
Histopathology	Through microscopic studies, fungal elements can be detected within tissue samples from tissue biopsies. Microorganisms can also be dyed to distinguish fungi from them.
Serology and Blood test	This kind of test uses the blood to identify antigens or antibodies produced as a response to specific fungal infections and is used to diagnose systemic fungal infections.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)	PCR investigations, availing which clinical specimens are tested for detecting fungi DNA or RNA in them, can be applied to quickly identify pathogenic fungi species.
Imaging Studies	X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are utilised to show the extent of internal organ infection due to fungus and other associated complications, such as abscesses or organ damage.

Treatment Methods for Fungal Diseases

When diagnosed with fungal disease, doctors might prescribe some topical antifungal ointments, antiseptic mouthwash and medication depending on the type of fungal disease.

Treatment Method	Description
Topical Treatments	Topical antifungal creams, ointments or powders are used to treat superficial fungal infections by applying them directly onto the skin, nails or mucous membranes affected by the disease.
Surgical Intervention	In case of deep or systemic fungal infections, surgery is recommended as a last resort for removing infected tissue/ abscesses that do not respond to antifungal drugs only.
Supportive Care	Supporting health includes managing symptoms and complications as well as the overall health of the patient. It might consist of hydration therapy and pain management measures.
Immune System Support	Treatment of such patients is aimed at enhancing their body's ability to fight diseases by boosting immune response and managing conditions that facilitate vulnerability to fungal attacks.
Long-term Therapy	Long-standing or recurrent cases of severe fungal infections may involve prolonged courses of antifungal treatment followed up with regular assessments for efficacy.

What Are the Preventive Measures to Control Fungal Diseases?

Individuals can prevent fungal infection by following the tips mentioned below,

Wash hands regularly, especially after touching animals or people suffering from some diseases.
Do not use other people's clothes, towels, comb or other skincare products.
Keep skin clean especially fold areas of your body.
Do not walk barefoot in locker rooms, community shower rooms.
When touching plants and dirt, put on protective clothing.
Antifungal disinfectants can be used to reduce fungal contamination on surfaces.
Athlete's feet can be avoided by wearing breathable shoes and keeping feet dry.
Regular medical check-ups and screenings for infection should be conducted.

Does Health Insurance Cover Fungal Diseases?

There is no insurance standard for treating fungal infections, but most health insurance policies cover diagnosing and treating such diseases. They include:

Medical Need: Almost all medical plans have provisions for the diagnosis, treatment, and tests of fungi only when found to be medically necessary, including visits to see doctors, outpatient services, prescribed antifungal drugs and radiological examinations.

Types Of Coverage For Fungus Diseases

Diagnostic Tests: These will comprise the cost of mycology cultures, biopsies, and serology blood tests.
Medications: Insurance companies cover both oral and topical prescription antifungal medications.
Hospitalisation: When hospitalisation or surgical procedures are necessary because of a fungal infection.

Prophylactics: Insurance may not cover some preventive measures like antifungal prophylaxis in high-risk situations unless advised by a physician.

To determine the exact coverage, it’s best to review the health insurance policy details and contact your insurance provider for specific information related to fungal disease treatment and coverage.

FAQs on the Diseases Caused by Fungi

All

How do benzodiazepines affect behaviour?

It has a tranquilising effect when consumed. It further slows down the nervous system's activity, reducing stress levels and relaxing muscles.

Is benzodiazepine psychologically addictive?

Benzodiazepine belongs to a class of sedative drugs that have a calming effect which makes them highly addictive. Though it is mostly prescribed to older people with anxiety and sleeping disorders, it makes them psychologically addicted to it as they cannot sleep or work without having a pill of the same.

What are the common categories of fungal infections?

Common fungal infections include athlete's foot, ringworm, candidiasis, and fungal nail infections, among others. Additionally, systemic infections may occur, which affect internal organs.

How can people get infected with fungal diseases?

Contact with contaminated surfaces or soil and infected individuals is a way through which fungi can be transferred. Additionally, inhalation of spores from fungi can also transmit this disease.

What are some signs of a fungal skin infection?

Fungal infection signs for the skin usually come in the form of itchiness, reddening, swelling and rashes or scaling of the skin. In other cases, development into sores or lesions is likely to take place.

How do you diagnose a fungal infection?

The diagnosis of fungal infection typically involves physical examination, laboratory testing, such as culture or microscopic examination, and sometimes imaging studies, like when the infection has become systemic.

Which methods exist for treating fungus infections?

The methods include antifungal drugs (both oral and topical) and surgery to excise necrotic tissue in severe cases. Medications may include azoles, echinocandins and polyenes.

Are there ways to prevent the occurrence of fungus infections?

Yes, maintaining proper hygiene measures, not being exposed to an environment that could, for example, have spores from fungi in them and taking care of one's health status if it is compromised due to an underlying condition will help prevent these diseases.

Can fungal infections be transmitted from one person to another?

Yes, some fungal infections like athlete's foot and ringworm can spread to people through physical contact or things that are contaminated with microorganisms.

What are the factors that increase one's risk of getting a fungal infection disease?

Risk factors for fungal infections include suppressed immunity, diabetes, immunosuppressive medications, antibiotics for an extended period, and living in damp/humid conditions.

Are some serious forms of fungus-related ailments lethal?

Yes. Some systemic fungal infections, such as cryptococcosis or aspergillosis, could cause fatalities, especially in those individuals with compromised immune systems.

What separates superficial fungal diseases and systemic infections?

Superficial diseases affect skin, nails or mucous membranes, while internal organs are affected by systemic ones, which could be life-threatening.

How long does treatment for a fungus-related attack usually take?

The duration of treatment depends on the type and severity of the patient's condition, ranging from weeks to months in case of a topical or superficial infection to many months in certain cases involving deep-lying tissue layers, systems, structures, and organs.