Q How can fungi be harmful?
Out of the wide variety of fungi, very few are harmful fungi. And out of these varieties, most are of low risk. However, there are some fungal infections that may lead to serious complications, especially in people with suppressed immune systems, like those with HIV. Dermatophytes cause symptoms of athletes foot like scaly, itchy and peeling skin of the foot and toes. Jock itch usually takes the form of a burning rash between the legs. Ringworm creates red, slightly raised rings on the skin. Candida is a genus of yeast fungus,cause a condition called candidiasis. Candidiasis may be localized to the mouth, throat, skin, scalp, vagina, fingers, nails, bronchi, lungs or the gastrointestinal tract. Cryptococcus is yeast-like fungi that can cause cryptococcosis, a chronic pulmonary, systemic or meningitic disease. Aspergillus infection may cause increased asthma-like conditions. These fungi by acting on different systems of the body are proved harmful. Some poisonous mushrooms can cause poisonous effects on ingestion.