How fungi kill millions globally
Photos: Fungal diseases under the microscope
Fatal Fungi – Tiny fungal spores are found in soil, air and water, and whilst most species are harmless to humans, some can be deadly, collectively killing 1.5 million people around the world each year.
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Photos: Fungal diseases under the microscope
Aspergillus – One such fungus is Aspergillus -- a common mold found both indoors and outdoors. Most of us breathe in its spores everyday without getting sick, but for those with weakened immune systems it can cause serious lung infections and allergic reactions.
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Photos: Fungal diseases under the microscope
Pnuemocystis jirovecii – The fungus Pnuemocystis jirovecii can also cause severe infections, particularly in people with HIV/AIDS. It caused one of the main AIDS-defining illnesses in the United States after the epidemic started in the 1980s.
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Photos: Fungal diseases under the microscope
Cryptococcus – The fungus Cryptococcus can be found all around the world, and most of us are likely to breathe it in at some point in our lives. But it also causes Cryptococcal meningitis, a leading cause of death for HIV/AIDS patients in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Photos: Fungal diseases under the microscope
Cryptococcus – There are over 30 different species of Cryptococcus -- here's an example of a skin lesion caused by the fungus.
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Photos: Fungal diseases under the microscope
Candida – The organism behind oral and vaginal thrush, Candida is a yeast-like fungus that many of us carry on or inside our body without doing any harm. Overgrowth can cause symptoms to develop, which are treatable for most people, but for those with weakened immune systems the infection can become serious.
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Photos: Fungal diseases under the microscope
Histoplasma – Histoplasma can be found in soil that contains large amounts of bird or bat droppings, and can infect people who breathe in its fungal spores from the air, resulting in fever, cough and fatigue.
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Photos: Fungal diseases under the microscope
Superficial fungi – While deadly fungal infections kill over a million people every year, superficial ones such as ringworm (pictured), athlete's foot and dandruff can affect 1-2 billion people annually, as well as put stress on health care systems.
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