Fungal Infections: Types, Symptoms, and Causes

Posted on Jan 24, 2025 in Biology

Superficial Fungal Infections

Above the skin (cosmetic infections).
No pathological problems.
Example 1: Pityriasis Versicolor (paño blanco): A fungus that reproduces over the skin surface, changing the skin pigment. It is most noticeable when exposed to sunlight. It can cause dandruff (caspa). Fungus species: Malassezia furfur.
Example 2: Tineas: Black to white spots on the body (foot: plantaris, hands: palmaris). Fungus species: Hortaea werneckii.
Example 3: White and Black Piedra: Nodules in the hair, like tiny rocks. White Fungi Species: Trichosporon beigelii. Black Fungi Species: Piedraia hortae.

Exist a little deeper in the skin. Only found in the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin).
Also infects the hair and nails.
Example 1: Ringworms: Caused by a group of dermatophytes (grow in moist and warm areas, between the toes). They use keratin as their nutrient source. Example: athlete’s foot. Fungus Species: Dermatophyte, Microsporum, and Trichophyton.
Example 2: Thrush (Candidiasis): Caused by Candida albicans, can grow anywhere. Most commonly found in newborns and the elderly. Opportunistic.

Can involve all layers of the skin and tissue such as fat and muscle underneath. This can often be caused by skin damage and injuries, allowing the fungi to enter.
Example 1: Sporotrichosis: Chronic mycotic infection, nodular lesions which may suppurate or ulcerate. Caused by the implantation of the fungus into the skin or, rarely, by inhalation into the lungs. Can go deep into the bone and affect articulation motion. Fungus Species: Sporothrix schenckii.
Example 2: Chromoblastomycosis: Forms warts caused by a group of fungi, affects exposed body parts. Fungus Species: Fonsecaea pedrosoi and Phialophora.
Example 3: Lobomycosis: Discovered by Dr. Jose Lobo, is the presence of keloidal, verrucoid, nodular lesions or sometimes by tumors. Found in humans and dolphins, discovered in Brazil. Fungus Species: Lacazia loboi.

Exist in other areas of the body. Due to primary pathogens, they are caused by extremely virulent fungi and can spread all over the body.
Caused only by dimorphic fungi.
Example 1: Blastomycosis: Obtained by inhalation, the spore goes directly to the lungs and turns into yeast. Can be acquired from wood decomposition. Causes a lot of pain, can spread through the skin, and can reach the bones. Found in North America. Fungus Species: Blastomyces dermatitidis.
Example 2: Histoplasmosis: Can be inhaled through bat excrement. Tropical areas (discovered at the Panama Canal Zone). Fungus Species: Histoplasma capsulatum.
Example 3: Paracoccidioidomycoses: Forms ulcers in lungs and trachea (mucous tissue). Tropical areas. Fungus Species: Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.

Caused by opportunistic organisms.
Example 1: Cryptococcosis: Acquired by inhalation. Can affect the nervous system. The spores are inside a capsule; that’s the reason why they can get to the brain. Fungus Species: Cryptococcus neoformans.
Example 2: Aspergillosis: Molds, found in spoiled foods such as corn. Fungus Species: Aspergillus fumigatus.