10 fungal infection facts
Key Points
- Classification
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- Primary fungal infections: Occur in immunocompetent individuals
- Opportunistic fungal infections: Primarily affect immunocompromised individuals.
- Types of Fungal Infections
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- Local (Superficial): Involves skin, mouth, and/or vagina (e.g. candidal vaginitis) and can occur in both healthy and immunocompromised hosts
- Systemic (Deep): Affects internal organs such as the lungs, eyes, liver, or brain, mainly in immunocompromised patients.
1. Definition
Fungal infections are caused by fungi that can grow in various parts of the body, affecting the skin, nails, and hair. They are distinct organisms, classified separately from plants and animals, and spread via spores.
2. Epidemiology
The prevalence of fungal infections is increasing, particularly due to the rising number of immunocompromised individuals (e.g. HIV/AIDS, cancer, organ transplant patients).
3. Risk factors
- Immunosuppression (e.g. HIV, cancer, immunosuppressive therapy)
- Diabetes and other underlying medical conditions
- Post-surgical states.
4. Causes
Local (superficial) infections
- Dermatophytosis (‘Ringworm’): Caused by dermatophytes infecting skin, nails, or hair. Common forms include:
- Tinea pedis (Athlete’s foot): Feet
- Tinea cruris (Jock itch): Groin and thighs
- Tinea capitis: Scalp
- Tinea corporis: Body
- Candidiasis: Usually caused by Candida albicans, leading to infections such as:
- Oral thrush
- Vaginal yeast infections (vulvovaginitis)
- Oesophageal candidiasis
- Intertrigo (skin folds)
- Tinea versicolor: Skin discoloration due to Malassezia fungus.
Systemic (deep) infections
- Histoplasmosis: Caused by Histoplasma, can affect lungs, brain, or other organs
- Coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever): Affects lungs, may spread to other organs
- Blastomycosis: Commonly infects bones, skin, and lungs
- Aspergillosis: Causes various lung infections, including allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis
- Candida UTIs: Some urinary tract infections are caused by Candida species. Invasive candidiasis can affect organs like the heart, brain, and eyes
- Pneumocystis pneumonia (PJP): A serious lung infection caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii.
- Cryptococcosis: Caused by Cryptococcus species, affecting lungs and sometimes leading to cryptococcal meningitis.
Method of spread
- Superficial infections like Athlete’s foot and ringworm can spread via direct contact.
- Systemic fungal infections are typically not contagious.
5. Symptoms
These are very variable dependent on the type and cause. Superficial infections commonly affect the skin, nails and hair.
6. Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation and confirmed through laboratory tests, such as skin scrapings or blood cultures.
7. Treatment
- Local treatments: Creams, powders, or shampoos
- Oral medications: For more extensive or persistent infections
- IV antifungals: Used in hospital settings for severe or systemic infections.
8. Complications
- Systemic fungal infections can lead to serious conditions such as sepsis or meningitis, potentially life-threatening if not treated promptly.
9. Prognosis
- Superficial fungal infections generally have a good prognosis
- Systemic infections are more serious but usually treatable with appropriate interventions.
10. Prevention
- Dry skin thoroughly after washing, especially in skin folds
- Avoid walking barefoot in communal areas (e.g. showers, pools)
- Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing
- Avoid sharing personal items like towels or combs
- Rotate shoes to allow them to dry if prone to Athlete’s foot.
Note. The advice above is a bit prescriptive, and not much fun. Actually it’s OK to walk barefoot by a pool or in a sauna, or borrow a friend’s hat sometimes!
Summary
We have described 10 medical revision notes about fungal infection. We hope you understand them better now.
Other resources
Fungal infection treatment (NHS England)
Fungal nail infection (NHS Scotland)
