Miscellaneous (emerging) fungi and algae

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview on nonendemic fungi and algae that cause disease among an increasing population of individuals at risk. It discusses how microorganisms, known as opportunistic agents, can cause disease when the patient suffers from some predisposing factor that has mechanically or immunologically decreased the capacity to resist infection. It also mentions how opportunistic agents can cause disease through an infecting agent that can survive and multiply at body temperature. The chapter identifies opportunistic fungal infections that are associated with predisposing factors, such as ketoacidosis, iron overload state, neutropenia, and defects in cell-mediated immunity. It considers microorganisms that are ubiquitous in nature but are uncommon causes of disease in humans.