Mycosis

Pulmonary_aspergillosis

Mycosis is a fungal infection of animals, including humans. Mycoses are common and a variety of environmental and physiological conditions can contribute to the development of fungal diseases. Inhalation of fungal spores or localized colonization of the skin may initiate persistent infections; therefore, mycoses often start in the lungs or on the skin.

Types of Mycoses

Mycoses are classified according to the tissue levels initially colonized.

Superficial Mycoses

Superficial mycoses are limited to the outermost layers of the skin and hair. An example of such a fungal infection is Tinea versicolor.

Cutaneous Mycoses

Cutaneous mycoses extend deeper into the epidermis, and also include invasive hair and nail diseases. These diseases are restricted to the keratinized layers of the skin, hair, and nails. Unlike the superficial mycoses, host immune responses may be evoked resulting in pathologic changes expressed in the deeper layers of the skin. The causative agents of these diseases are often referred to as the dermatophytes.

Subcutaneous Mycoses

Subcutaneous mycoses involve the dermis, subcutaneous tissues, muscle and fascia. These infections are chronic and are initiated by trauma to the skin. These infections are difficult to treat and may require surgical interventions such as debridement.

Systemic Mycoses

Systemic mycoses due to primary pathogens originate primarily in the lungs and may spread to many organ systems. Organisms that cause these diseases are true pathogens with virulence factors that allow them to grow in host tissues. Examples of such diseases include Histoplasmosis and Coccidioidomycosis.

Opportunistic Mycoses

Opportunistic mycoses are infections of patients with immune deficiencies who would otherwise not be infected. Examples of such diseases are Aspergillosis, Candidiasis and Mucormycosis.

Treatment

Treatment of mycoses may be topical or systemic and is often prolonged. The treatment of choice for mycoses are antifungal drugs.

See also

• Fungus
• Mycology
• Pathogenic fungi
• Antifungal drug

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