Causesfungal

Causesfungal is a nonstandard term used to describe the factors that lead to fungal infections in humans and animals. Fungi are common in the environment and on the body's surfaces, but infections occur when a host’s defenses are overwhelmed or environmental exposure is substantial.

Host factors: Immunosuppressed individuals, including those with HIV/AIDS, cancer undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, or people on corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants, have higher susceptibility. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, malnutrition, or advanced age also increase risk by weakening immune responses or altering tissues.

Barriers and microbiome: Disruption of the skin or mucosal barriers—through wounds, burns, cuts, or excessive moisture—creates entry points and growth niches for fungi. Broad-spectrum antibiotics can reduce bacterial competitors, promoting overgrowth of yeasts such as Candida on skin or mucous membranes.

Environmental exposure: Fungi are ubiquitous in soil, plants, air and decaying matter. Inhalation of fungal spores can cause respiratory infections (eg, aspergillosis, histoplasmosis) in susceptible individuals. Direct contact with contaminated surfaces or shared items can spread dermatophyte infections of skin, hair, and nails.

Medical and lifestyle factors: Invasive medical procedures, indwelling devices (catheters, prosthetic joints), hospitalization, and prolonged antibiotic or steroid use increase the risk of invasive fungal infections and dissemination.

Common infection types: Superficial fungal infections affect skin, nails, or mucous membranes (dermatophytosis, candidiasis). Invasive fungal infections affect internal organs and the bloodstream and require antifungal therapy.

Prevention and management focus on strong infection control, appropriate antibiotic stewardship, managing underlying conditions, maintaining skin and mucosal integrity, and limiting exposure to environments with high fungal spore loads.