“Pathogenic” fungi (organisms such as bacteria and viruses that cause pathologies) are eukaryotes. They belong to the same class of “edible” mushrooms and they can live in symbiosis with the host organism, whether it is an animal or a plant. If in many cases this coexistence results in a mutual benefit, in other cases fungi can have devastating effects on the host organism.
For example, Aspergillus species belong to a commonly spread genus and can be found in any type of environment, infecting both animals and plants.
Human beings, therefore, often come into contact with these fungi and could develop serious diseases or allergies (as in the cases of Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus clavatus). Moreover, some strains can cause – especially in immunocompromised subjects – invasive infections or serious pathologies.
Another widespread family of fungi which belongs to the genus Candida is known, above all, for infections involving the female urogenital tract. These are microorganisms that are often co-authors of serious pathologies, especially in immunocompromised patients or patients with severe immunological defects associated with other pathologies.
Fungi spread by direct skin-to-skin contact or through air dispersion of their spores. These are the most dangerous mode of infection transmission, as they may cause respiratory diseases that are often very serious and can lead to death. Proper disinfection can immediately stop fungal proliferation and diffusion.