Question

Write down the modes of infection and the preventive measures against fungal diseases.

Answer 1

Fungal infections are caused by fungi which are found in soil, air, water, as well as on plants, animals, and people. Fungal infections are transmitted to a healthy individual by coming in contact with the spores of the fungi. It may get transmitted by contact with infected soil, water or air. Fungal transmission can also occur from person to person, however the chances of person to person transmission is possible in case of skin infections. Usually fungal infections are not serious, but they can turn out to be serious or even fatal in case of immunocompromised patients for example, people suffering from AIDS.

Measures which can prevent the transmission of fungal diseases are:

• one should maintain proper hygiene
• one should avoid sharing of personal products like hair brush
• avoid direct contact with people who have fungal infection
• clean or discard the infected objects and garments
• wash all bed linen regularly to get rid of any fungal spores
• one should avoid wearing tight clothes, jeans and shoes
• keeping areas like feet, groins, underarms and buttocks dry and clean