Introduction

A disease is categorised as a communicable disease if it can spread from one person to another. Fungal diseases are a group of communicable diseases caused by fungi. Fungi are microbes, just like bacteria and viruses, found in the environment. Thousands of fungal species exist on earth, but not all fungi are disease-causing microorganisms. The spread of a fungal disease can happen when a healthy person comes in direct contact with an infected individual. Sometimes the infection spreads indirectly through contact with contaminated surfaces, suspended droplets in the air, or vectors such as flies and insects. 

Risk Factors for Developing a Fungal Disease

Fungal infections are known to affect healthy individuals and people with underlying conditions. However, the severity of infection is less in healthy individuals who usually get mild symptoms. Certain risk factors render a person more susceptible to developing fungal diseases with severe symptoms. These include – 

• Having a weak immune system either by birth or due to an underlying medical condition like HIV and cancer
• Take regular doses of immunosuppressant drugs such as corticosteroids or chemotherapy drugs
• Residing in or travelling to certain geographic areas where certain fungal infections are common
• Excessive sweating can increase the chances of fungal infection as fungi grow well in warmth and moisture
• Exposure to environments with high humidity and dampness can also lead to infection as fungal spores are extensively found in these favourable conditions
• Post-menopausal women are at high risk of developing vaginal infections because of reduced acidity in the vagina due to hormonal changes in the body
• Having open wounds can put a person at risk of developing a fungal disease

Types of Fungal Diseases

Diseases caused by fungi can be classified in three different ways. Let us have a look at them.

Based on whom they infect – 

• Primary Fungal Infections – These infections occur in healthy individuals with a good immune system
• The fungus or spores enter the body through air inhalation leading to infection in the lungs; examples include Histoplasmosis and Blastomycosis
• Opportunistic Fungal Infections – These infections develop in people who are already dealing with medical conditions that reduce the body’s immunity and, therefore, cannot fight a new infection; examples include Candidiasis and Aspergillosis

Based on the areas they affect –

• Localised Fungal Infections – Such infections develop in only one area of the body
• For example, it may affect only the skin, nails, toes, mouth, or vagina
• Systemic Fungal Infections – Such infections affect an entire organ in the body like the lungs, liver, eyes, or skin
• These are more common in people with a weak immune system

Based on the occurrence

• Commonly occurring fungal infections – These infections are very common in public and are seen worldwide
• Examples are Ringworm, Fungal nail infections, Thrush, and Vaginal candidiasis
• Occurring in specific geographic locations – These infections are location-specific as fungi causing these diseases are abundant in that area
• Examples are Cryptococcus infection (caused by Cryptococcus gattii) and Histoplasmosis (caused by Histoplasma).
• Occurring in people with suppressed immune systems – This type of infection makes its way to immunosuppressed individuals who have undergone an organ transplant, are on immunosuppressant medications, or are affected by disorders causing low immunity
• Examples include Cryptococcus neoformans infection, Pneumocystis pneumonia, Invasive candidiasis, and Aspergillosis

Treatment Options

As there are numerous infections caused by a wide range of fungi, treatment of a particular type of infection is specific to the fungi causing it. Some infections take a few days to go away, whereas others may take months to get better. Topical ointments generally treat mild symptoms which appear in a localised area. Moderate to severe symptoms require oral or intravenous medications for better control. Surgery is suggested in cases where a mass is developed in the body due to fungal growth.

Prevention of Fungal Diseases

Fungal diseases can be prevented by following some precautionary measures. However, one must keep in mind that these measures can only lessen the chances of infection and not avoid it completely. Our surroundings are filled with microbes like bacteria and fungi, and there are high chances one can get infected with them. Listed below are some measures for fungal infection prevention.

1. Maintain good hygiene.
2. Don’t let moisture accumulate in skin folds. Keep it clean and dry.
3. Wear well-absorbent socks to keep moisture in check. Fungus loves to grow in warm and damp toenails when one wears shoes for an extended period. 
4. Choose breathable footwear and change socks regularly.
5. Keep toenails clean and short. 
6. Wash and dry feet after getting back from work.
7. Try to use slippers when walking on the gym floor, locker rooms, or bathroom, as these places are more contaminated than others.
8. Wear cotton underwear to prevent vaginal infection.
9. Get treated immediately at first signs of infection to prevent the spread among family members.

Conclusion

Infections caused by fungi require a medical diagnosis, and people must avoid self-medication. Not every fungal infection is the same and hence must be treated accordingly. Doctors are best qualified to make this diagnosis and suggest treatment options. Symptoms to look out for include an unexplained skin rash, abnormal vaginal discharge, darkening or peeling of the skin, an unexpected bump, and toenail deformity. Some fungal infections can also cause headaches, fatigue, aches and pains, chest pain, or symptoms similar to asthma. As every fungus presents itself differently, one must not wait for the infection to go away on its own and see a doctor right away for timely treatment.