Aldrin Louie M.

Rivera February 21, 2019

9 – Mendeleev Sir Rosales
Diseases Caused by Fungi

In Humans:

 Aspergillosis - an infection caused by Aspergillus, a common mold (a type of

fungus) that lives indoors and outdoors. Most people breathe in Aspergillus
spores every day without getting sick. However, people with weakened
immune systems or lung diseases are at a higher risk of developing health
problems due to Aspergillus.
 Blastomycosis - an infection caused by a fungus called Blastomyces. The
fungus lives in the environment, particularly in moist soil and in decomposing
matter such as wood and leaves. People can get blastomycosis after
breathing in the microscopic fungal spores from the air. Although most people
who breathe in the spores don’t get sick, some of those who do may have flu-
like symptoms, and the infection can sometimes become serious if it is not
treated.
 Candidiasis - a fungal infection caused by yeasts that belong to the genus
Candida. There are over 20 species of Candida yeasts that can cause
infection in humans, the most common of which is Candida albicans. Candida
yeasts normally reside in the intestinal tract and can be found on mucous
membranes and skin without causing infection; however, overgrowth of these
organisms can cause symptoms to develop. Symptoms of candidiasis vary
depending on the area of the body that is infected.
 Valley Fever - also called coccidioidomycosis, is an infection caused by the
fungus Coccidioides. People can get Valley fever by breathing in the
microscopic fungal spores from the air, although most people who breathe in
the spores don’t get sick. Usually, people who get sick with Valley fever will
get better on their own within weeks to months, but some people will need
antifungal medication.
 Cryptococcus gattii Infection - C. gattii cryptococcosis is a rare infection
that people can get after breathing in the microscopic fungus. The infection
can affect the lungs, central nervous system, or both.
In Plants:

 Brown Patch - It is a turfgrass disease caused by different species of the

Rhizoctonia fungus. Patches of brown and yellow color appear on the lawn in
irregular shapes. It does not affect the roots and crown of the grass, so it is
also known as Foliar disease.
 Canker - There are some fungal infections that affect the roots and barks of
the plants. One such fungi is canker fungi. It is found on woody trees and is
notorious for causing localized damage to the barks of trees.
 Clematis Wilt - It is caused by a fungus (Phoma clematidina), which makes
an entry into the plant body through cuts and wounds created by insects.
Generally, it appears on large-flowered hybrid plants in brown- and black-
colored patches.
 Downy Mildew - This disease is caused by Peronosporaceae which affects a
number of plants. It can be identified when discolored blotches appear on the
leaves; a mold-like growth also develops on the plants. It affects the growth
and strength of the plant.
 Club Root - This infection is found in cabbages, turnips, and radishes which
is caused by the Plasmodiophora brassicae fungus. The color of the leaves
changes to bluish-green, and the roots if pulled out appear clubbed and are
easily broken.

https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/index.html

https://gardenerdy.com/plant-diseases-caused-by-fungi