Summarizing Fungal Parasites and Pathogens

Summary

Fungi establish parasitic relationships with plants and animals. Fungal diseases can decimate crops and spoil food during storage. Compounds produced by fungi can be toxic to humans and other animals. Mycoses are infections caused by fungi. Superficial mycoses affect the skin, whereas systemic mycoses spread through the body. Fungal infections are difficult to cure.

Glossary

commensalism

symbiotic relationship in which one member benefits while the other member is not affected

mycetismus

ingestion of toxins in poisonous mushrooms

mycosis

fungal infection

mycotoxicosis

poisoning by a fungal toxin released in food

parasitism

symbiotic relationship in which one member of the association benefits at the expense of the other