Infectious Fungi

Children's Literature - Cathi I. White

Fungi can be good to have. Without fungi, we would not have antibiotics, mushrooms, cola, and blue cheese dressing. However, in spite of the good fungi, there are also bad fungi. There are over 100,000 species of fungi, but only 150 are currently connected to some kind of disease. Everyone naturally has fungi in their body called Candida albicans. This common yeast usually stays in balance with other bacteria in our bodies. However, if the body is thrown off balance internally, then the yeast begins to grow and breed infection. Most commonly fungal infections involve the skin. People are contaminated by touching something that has already been infected. Some of these infections include ringworm, cradle cap, nail fungus, and athlete's foot. Some fungal infections are transmitted through contaminated soil, through the air, and into a person's lungs. The treatment of fungi has been challenging. Fungi are hard to treat because some medication used can also kill the good cells in a person's body. Preventative measures are to have good personal hygiene by keeping the skin dry and clean. More details about fungi, how it grows, the types of fungi, and treatment, are given in this fascinating book. The reader will find see pictures of fungal infections, and read graphs and inserts about fungi. This educational book includes a glossary, websites, and books for further information. This interesting book would be beneficial in a science or nursing class. This book is part of the "Deadly Diseases and Epidemics" series.