Just like people, fungus comes in many forms. The symptoms of a fungal infection can vary based on individual constitution, method of infection and the duration of the problem. The type of fungus involved represents another important factor that may determine the course of the overgrowth. There may be literally thousands of fungal species that possess the ability to colonize inside humans, but specific species stand out as particularly problematic.
Candida
Leon Chaitow, author of "Candida Albicans," explains how this fungus bears little threat to humans when it exists in controlled numbers, in its single-celled yeast form. However, increased stress, a high-sugar diet or antibiotic use can allow them to overpopulate the intestines, potentially leading to disrupted digestion and a systemic infection. When candida becomes bloodborne, as in systemic infections, the tissues it gains access to becomes almost unlimited which can result in a wide variety of symptoms. These may include anything from joint pain to rashes, or fatigue and headaches.
Trichosporon
Trichosporon fungi represent another troublesome variety. Also often found colonizing the intestines, these organisms can create similar problems to those found with candida infections due to similar fungal toxins produced when they ferment available sugars. Doctor Fungus points out trichosporon beigeii as the most significant pathogen amongst the genus, and note that it can cause both superficial and systemic infections in those who are immunucompromised. A Medscape report suggests that men are twice as likely as women to succumb to infection from trichosporon.
Dermatophytes
The term dermatophytes, which means "skin plants" in Greek, actually refers to three groups of fungi that can results in skin infections. Doctors often refer to these conditions as tineas, and they become more likely in certain conditions. Dermatophyte fungi, which includes microsporum, epidermophyton and thrichophyton sub-groups, feel especially at home on the skin, opportunistically taking hold in patches that are kept warm and damp. Tinea pedis and tinea cruris, also known as athlete's foot and jock itch respectively, stand out as common infections caused by dermatophytes. Other common infections caused by these fungi include pityriasis alba, a skin condition often caused by trichophyton strain and results in discolorations and dry blotches on the skin, especially around the torso and abdomen.
References
- "Candida Albicans"; Leon Chaitow; 1999.
- Medscape: Trichosporon infections
- Doctor Fungus: Trichosporon Species
- American Association of Family Physicians: Dermatophyte Infections
