Context:
Fungal diseases are infections caused by fungi that affect the skin, nails, lungs, eyes, blood or internal organs. They are gaining public health importance due to rising cases, antifungal resistance, weak diagnostic capacity and greater risk among immunocompromised people
- Fungal diseases, also called mycoses, are infections caused by fungi such as yeasts, moulds and dermatophytes.
- Fungi are naturally present in soil, air, water, plants, animals and the human body, but some species can become pathogenic under suitable conditions.
- Common superficial fungal infections affect the skin, hair and nails, such as ringworm, athlete’s foot and nail fungal infection.
- Some fungi infect mucous membranes and cause diseases such as oral thrush and vaginal candidiasis.
- Serious fungal diseases can affect the lungs, brain, blood and internal organs, especially in people with weak immunity.
- Examples include candidiasis, aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, mucormycosis and histoplasmosis.
- Fungal infections spread through inhalation of spores, direct skin contact, contaminated surfaces or overgrowth of normal body fungi.
- Hot and humid climates favour fungal growth, making tropical countries more vulnerable.
- Major risk factors include diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cancer treatment, organ transplant, prolonged antibiotic use, steroid use and poor hygiene.
- Treatment generally involves antifungal drugs, but delayed diagnosis and antifungal resistance can make some infections difficult to manage.
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Fungal Disease Burden and India’s Diagnostic Gaps