Principles of Systematization
To properly divide all existing fungal infections into clear categories, specialists use three fundamental factors.
First, pathogen localization is evaluated — the specific site in the body where the microorganism establishes and multiplies. Second, the nature of primary colonization is considered, showing precisely how the fungus attaches to host tissues. Third, the presence of toxic-allergic properties plays a crucial role, determining whether the microorganism is capable of producing toxins or triggering hypersensitivity reactions.
Infectious Lesions of Skin and Appendages
The first two groups of the classification involve the body's outer integument. The severity here directly depends on how deeply the pathogen penetrates.
- Superficial mycoses. This group is also referred to as keratomycoses. This is the mildest form of invasion, in which the destructive process is strictly limited. The pathogen does not penetrate deeply, multiplying exclusively in the outermost layers of the epidermis and affecting only the hair cuticle.
- Dermatophytoses. Another name for this category is dermatomycoses. Here, a significantly deeper involvement of structures is observed. The pathological process encompasses the entire epidermis and actively involves the skin and hair in the infectious process.
Deep Invasions
Once protective barriers are overcome, fungal agents can penetrate deeper body structures, causing severe infections.
- Subcutaneous mycoses. In this scenario, the invasion does not stop at the epidermal level. The pathogen spreads deeper, involving the dermis, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and in some cases reaching fascia and muscle tissue.
- Systemic mycoses (deep mycoses). This is the most severe form of the infectious process proper. The pathogen disseminates throughout the body, targeting internal organs and various deep tissues of the host directly.
Special Forms of Interaction
In addition to classic infections, three specific groups of conditions are distinguished based on immune status or the toxic properties of fungi.
- Opportunistic mycoses. These diseases develop exclusively against the background of pronounced suppression of the patient's immune defenses. They are caused by opportunistic microorganisms that are normally harmless to healthy individuals.
- Fungal allergies. These manifest as various hypersensitivity reactions of the host organism to fungal antigens. Depending on the localization of the reaction, they may present as pneumoallergies or dermal allergies.
- Mycotoxicoses. A unique group of pathologies characterized by the complete absence of an infectious process. The disease represents a classic food poisoning caused by the ingestion of toxins produced by fungi outside the human body.