Mycoses

Disease information

Mycosis refers to infections caused by fungi (eukaryotic organisms with one or more cells) that can affect different sites in the body. Superficial infections target skin and skin appendages such as nails and hair and cause itching, burning and scaling of the tissues. These are called dermatomycoses. Another type of infection, called invasive mycoses, usually affect people who are immunocompromised. The fungi enter the body through inhalation of spores or through contaminated food. The subsequent infection may remain limited to entry site or spread to other parts of the body. Such invasive infections are mostly caused by fungi belonging to the genera Aspergillus and Candida.