fungus

fungus /fun·gus/ pl. fun´gi   [L.]

1. any organism belonging to the Fungi.

2. anything resembling such an organism.

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dimorphic fungus  one that lives as a yeast or mold, depending on environmental conditions.

imperfect fungus  one whose perfect (sexual) stage is unknown.

perfect fungus  one for which both sexual and asexual types of spore formation are known.

true fungi  Eumycota.

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fun·gus (fnggs)

n. pl. fun·gi (fnj, fngg) or fun·gus·es

Any of numerous eukaryotic organisms that reproduce by spores. The spores of most fungi grow a network of slender tubes called hyphae that spread into and feed off of dead organic matter or living organisms. The hyphae often produce specialized reproductive bodies, such as mushrooms.

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Fungus

A single-celled or multi-celled organism without chlorophyll that reproduces by spores and lives by absorbing nutrients from organic matter.

Mentioned in: Antibiotics, Topical, Antifungal Drugs, Systemic, Jock Itch, Pneumocystis Pneumonia

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fungus

[fun′gəs] pl. fungi,

Etymology: L, fungus, mushroom

a eukaryotic, thallus-forming organism that feeds by absorbing organic molecules from its surroundings. Fungi lack chlorophyll and therefore are not capable of photosynthesis. They may be saprophytes or parasites. Unicellular fungi (yeasts) reproduce by budding; multicellular fungi, such as molds, reproduce by spore formation. Fungi may invade living organisms, including humans, as well as nonliving organic substances. Of the 100,000 identified species of fungi, 100 are common in humans and 10 are pathogenic. See also fungal infection. fungal, fungous, adj.

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fungus (fung´gs),

n a class of vegetable organisms of a low order of development, including mushrooms, toadstools, and molds. Examples include
Candida albicans and
Histoplasma, Trichophyton, Actinomyces, and
Blastomyces organisms. Oral and systemic moniliasis (thrush) is produced by overgrowth of
C. albicans, which is a normal resident in the oral cavity. When the patient's health is compromised, the organism may assume a pathogenic role (opportunistic infection).

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fungus

pl. fungi [L.] a general term for a group of eukaryotic organisms (mushrooms, yeasts, molds, etc.) marked by the absence of chlorophyll, the presence of a rigid cell wall in some stage of the life cycle, and reproduction by means of spores. Fungi are present in the soil, air and water, but only a few species can cause disease. Among the fungal diseases (mycoses) are histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis and ringworm. Although the fungal diseases develop slowly, are difficult to diagnose, and are resistant to treatment, they are rarely fatal.

Another important section of the disease spectrum caused by fungi is the mycotoxicoses, e.g. facial eczema, ryegrass staggers, mushroom poisoning—amanita, ramaria, clavaria, cortinarius, clitocybe, inocybe, psilocybe, sclerodermia.

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dimorphic fungus

those with two growth forms, molds or yeasts, depending on whether they are grown on artificial media or occur in the environment or in tissues or alternatively, depending on the incubation temperature. Included are Sporothrix schenckii, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Histoplasma capsulatum, Coccidioides immitis and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. These organisms typically cause deep or systemic mycoses in animals and humans.

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Patient discussion about fungus.

Q. How to get rid of a yellowish toenail? One of my toenails is yellowish and I remember my mother had this discoloration of her toenails. Does anyone know what this could be and what can be done about it?

A. You probably have a fungus in your toenail which is pretty common and seems to be hereditary. I had it too and the only way I know to get rid of it is a prescription drug called Lamisil, which I took for an entire year.

Q. How to treat toenail fungus? I have two badly infected toes on one foot (a problem of several years) and two more are growing in with fungus. How can I treat it without oral medicine?

A. as someone who got rid of fungal infection in his feet- the key here is using the anti-fungal cream (whether it'll be natural oil or anti fungal medicine) for a very long time- couple times a day. use powder to soak any moisture - after 6 months you are fungal free :)

Q. What is the best way to treat fungal infection so it wont come back every year at the same time?? I don't know where I got it from- maybe caught it in a public shower,some people say it develops while the foot is in the shoe for long hours- I'm not sure- but every fall, for like 5 years now, I've been having this fungal infection in a few spots in my feet. usually in the same exact spots and ewvery year another one show up. what to do to make it go away?? it's real ugly and itchy, can't stand it. any help would be appreciated...

A. i also used to have fungal infections (Athlete's foot). i just applied a topical anti fungal cream to treat it and then continued applying it for prevention and started to use sandals in public showers. and thank god, i don't have any now.