Treatment is based on proof by culture or biopsy, but many clinicians will treat based on suspicion or a set of symptoms and signs that support the likelihood. Zygomycosis sometimes called mucormycosis is a rare but serious fungal infection caused by a group of molds called zygomycetes also known as mucormycetes that are often found in soil and decaying organic matter such as leaves, compost piles, or rotten wood.
Although zygomycosis can form in nearly any part of the body, it most commonly affects the lungs or sinuses of people with weakened immune systems, such as those who have had an organ or stem cell transplant, or those with uncontrolled diabetes.
Fusarium is a fungus that commonly lives in soil and on plants. Infections in patients with weakened immune systems can involve mucosal membranes and lungs similar to other molds but can also spread to the blood stream, skin, and to the retina in the eyes, similar to yeasts. Diagnosis can be made from culture from a normally sterile site such as blood or tissue. Atlanta, GA: U.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Accessed December 9, AIDS Reader. Accessed December 12, Close Search. About Invasive Fungal Infections. Fungal Infections Fungi plural of fungus are a group of micro-organisms that are members of their own kingdom, neither plant nor animal.
In the United States, one of the most common bloodstream infections acquired in the hospital is caused by a fungus called Candida. Candida normally lives in the gastrointestinal tract and on skin without causing any problems, but it can enter the bloodstream and cause infection. A type of Candida called Candida auris is often resistant to antifungal medicines and can spread between patients in healthcare settings.
Have you recently had a transplant? People who recently had an organ transplant or a stem cell transplant have weakened immune systems. That means they have a greater chance of developing a fungal infection. Doctors prescribe antifungal medicine for some transplant patients to prevent fungal infections.
Are you receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatments? Cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiation, weakens your immune system. These treatments may increase the chance you will get a fungal infection. Do you have symptoms of pneumonia that are not getting better with antibiotics? Fungal infections, especially lung infections like Valley fever , histoplasmosis , and aspergillosis , can have similar symptoms as bacterial infections. Early testing for fungal infections reduces unnecessary antibiotics use and allows people to start treatment with antifungal medicine, if necessary.
More Information. Healthcare-associated Infections HAI. Fungal Disease Awareness Week. Consequently, fungal infections usually begin in the lungs or on the skin. Of the wide variety of spores that land on the skin or are inhaled into the lungs, most types do not cause infection. A few types cause infection only in people who have one of the following:. Foreign material, including medical devices such as an artificial joint or heart valve , in their body.
The immune system may be weakened when people take drugs that suppress the immune system Some Drugs That Can Cause Immunodeficiency Immunodeficiency disorders involve malfunction of the immune system, resulting in infections that develop and recur more frequently, are more severe, and last longer than usual.
People who spend many days in an intensive care unit can develop a weakened immune system because of medical procedures, underlying disorders, undernutrition, or a combination. Except for some superficial skin infections, fungal infections are rarely passed from one person to another.
Opportunistic Opportunistic fungal infections Fungi are neither plants nor animals. Because fungal spores are often Primary Primary fungal infections Fungi are neither plants nor animals. Fungal infections can affect only one area of the body localized or many areas of the body systemic. Localized fungal infections affect only one area of the body. They typically affect the skin and nails Overview of Fungal Skin Infections Fungi usually make their homes in moist areas of the body where skin surfaces meet: between the toes, in the genital area, and under the breasts.
Vaginal infections are caused by microorganisms Candidiasis tends to occur in moist areas of the skin. Candidiasis may cause rashes, scaling, itching, and swelling. Doctors examine the affected Localized fungal infections sometimes occur when the normal balances that keep fungi in check are upset. For example, certain types of fungi such as Candida are normally present on body surfaces or in the intestine.
The bacteria normally present in the digestive tract and vagina limit the growth of these fungi in those areas. When people take antibiotics, the helpful bacteria can be killed, allowing the fungi to grow unchecked.
The resulting overgrowth of fungi can cause symptoms, which are usually mild. As the bacteria grow back, the balance is restored, and the problem usually resolves. Systemic fungal infections affect organs such as the lungs, eyes, liver, and brain and also can affect the skin. They typically occur in people who have a weakened immune system see Opportunistic fungal infections Opportunistic fungal infections Fungi are neither plants nor animals. Opportunistic fungal infections take advantage of a weakened immune system.
Thus, they usually occur in people with a weakened immune system, such as those with AIDS or those taking drugs that suppress the immune system. Opportunistic fungal infections occur worldwide. Typical opportunistic fungal infections include. Aspergillosis Aspergillosis Aspergillosis is an infection, usually of the lungs, caused by the fungus Aspergillus.
A ball of fungus fibers, blood clots, and white blood cells may form in the lungs or sinuses. Throat swabs look like a cotton bud. Your doctor can send the swab to a lab, where technicians will culture it to learn what types of fungi or other microbes are present. Your doctor will perform a pelvic exam to diagnose a vaginal yeast infection.
Your treatment options will depend on the type of yeast infection you have and whether or not you get yeast infections regularly. Thrush can be treated with oral antifungal medications. These can come in the form of lozenges, pills, or mouthwash.
Find out more about oral thrush. If you catch a vaginal yeast infection early enough, you might be able to treat it with OTC products. Otherwise, your doctor can prescribe antifungal medications that come as a cream, pill, or vaginal suppository.
Your doctor might also recommend probiotics, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. Learn more about the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection and why early treatment is so important.
Onychomycosis is a common type of fungal infection that can affect your toenails, fingernails, and nail beds. Toenail fungus usually starts as a small light-colored spot on your nail. As it spreads deeper, it changes the shape and color of your nail. Over time, it can cause your nail to become thicker and more brittle.
To find out if you have toenail fungus, your doctor will likely scrape off pieces of the affected nail. They will examine these scrapings under a microscope. This can help them tell the difference between a fungal infection and other conditions that cause similar symptoms. It can potentially take weeks to treat fingernail infections and months to treat toenail infections. Learn how to protect yourself from fungal infections of your nails and nail beds. There several things that can increase your risk of developing a fungal infection.
Sweating heavily or working in a warm, humid environment can increase your risk of 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. Any condition that causes poor blood circulation can raise your risk of infection. Explore this list of causes of poor circulation. This might make you more vulnerable to vaginal yeast infections. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of menopause.
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