(26.0K) |
The eucaryotic microbes collectively called fungi were introduced
in chapter 5. The profound importance of fungi
stems primarily from their role in the earth's ecological balance
and their impact on agriculture. To a lesser—but not minor—
extent, the fungi are also medically significant, as agents in human
disease, allergies, and mycotoxicoses (intoxications due to ingesting
fungal toxins). Diseases resulting from fungal infections, primarily by
yeasts and molds, are termed mycoses. In this chapter, we will survey
the most prevalent mycotic infections, including systemic, cutaneous,
and subcutaneous forms. Other topics to be covered include
common respiratory allergies and diseases associated with fungal
toxins.
|