Fungal Diseases: Key Notes & Top 25 MCQs for UPSC EXams
If you are experiencing itching, redness, burning, or any kind of layer-like texture on your skin, it could be a fungal infection. This article is for you so that you can know what fungal diseases are, how they spread, what causes them, and how you can avoid them. In addition to affecting your skin, fungus can also harm your lungs, hair, nails, and even internal organs. This problem is becoming common in a country with a humid and hot climate like India. In this article, we will talk in detail about the types, symptoms, treatment, and home remedies of fungal diseases.
Summary of Fungal Infection
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Fungal Infection | A condition where fungi grow on or inside the human body, sometimes causing harm. |
| Rise in Cases | Increased fungal diseases due to climate change, weak immunity, and antibiotic resistance. |
| Types of Diseases | Includes superficial infections, deep tissue infections, and allergic fungal conditions. |
| Symptoms | Common signs include itching, rashes, fatigue, cough, or difficulty breathing. |
| Causes | Poor hygiene, moisture, medical conditions, or prolonged antibiotic use. |
| Prevention | Regular hygiene, keeping skin dry, wearing breathable shoes, and avoiding infected areas. |
| Treatment | Medical diagnosis and antifungal drugs like creams, pills, or injections. |
| Home Remedies | May ease mild symptoms but aren't a replacement for proper medical care. |
What is a Fungal Infection?—Basic Information
Mycoses are fungal diseases that are brought on by fungi. Fungi are microscopic organisms that can be present in air, soil, water, and even your body.
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These infections spread when the body's immune system is weakened or there is excess moisture on the skin.
Warm, humid, and sweaty places like armpits, between the toes, close to the genitalia, etc., are common habitats for fungus-related illnesses.
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Infections associated with them can affect the skin, nails, mouth, lungs, and even the brain.
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Some fungal diseases are contagious and can spread from one person to another through contact or shared objects.
What is Causing the Sudden Surge in Fungal Infections?
Increasing humidity and heat—Rising temperature and moisture in the environment create ideal conditions for fungal infections to multiply rapidly.
Weak immune system—A weakened immune system due to poor lifestyle, chronic illness, or medications makes the body more vulnerable to fungal infections.
Ignoring hygiene—Neglecting personal hygiene and wearing wet or sweaty clothes for long durations provides a breeding ground for fungal growth.
Diabetes and chronic diseases— Conditions like diabetes weaken the body's defenses, allowing fungus to grow and spread quickly within the body.
Sharing infected items—Using shared items such as towels, shoes, combs, or bedding increases the risk of spreading fungal diseases from person to person.
How Many Forms of Fungal Diseases are There?
Fungal diseases are of many types, and each type affects different parts of the body.
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Ringworm (Tinea corporis): It occurs on the skin in the form of circular lesions, causing severe itching and burning.
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Athlete's foot (Tinea pedis): It occurs between the toes, especially when shoes are wet with sweat.
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Fungal infection of nails (onychomycosis): Nails become yellow, thick, and brittle.
Mouth and throat candidiasis: Blisters or a white coating develop in the mouth, making eating uncomfortable.
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Vaginal yeast infection: Women experience itching, burning, and thick white discharge in the vaginal area.
Mucormycosis, often known as black fungus, increased during COVID-19, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems. To survive, it frequently damages the brain, eyes, and sinuses, necessitating immediate antifungal therapy and perhaps surgery.
Aspergillosis—If left untreated, invasive forms can quickly harm the lungs and spread to other organs, frequently leading to death.
Fungal Human Diseases & Symptoms
| Disease | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Ringworm (Tinea corporis) | Circular skin lesions with severe itching and burning sensations. |
| Athlete's Foot (Tinea pedis) | Affects skin between toes; worsens in sweaty, damp shoes. |
| Nail Infection (Onychomycosis) | Nails become thick, yellowish, and prone to breaking. |
| Mouth & Throat Candidiasis | White patches or blisters in the mouth; painful eating. |
| Vaginal Yeast Infection | Causes itching, burning, and thick white discharge. |
| Mucormycosis (Black Fungus) | Attacks brain, eyes, and sinuses in the immune-compromised; needs urgent treatment. |
| Aspergillosis | Invasive forms damage lungs and organs; they can be fatal if untreated. |
| Cryptococcosis | Causes meningitis in people with low immunity, especially HIV patients. |
| Histoplasmosis | Lung infection caused by inhaling spores from bird or bat droppings. |
| Scalp Ringworm (Tinea capitis) | Fungal scalp infection causes hair loss, scaly patches, and itching. |
What Are the Winning Signs of Fungal Infections?
The symptoms of fungal infection may be mild in the beginning, but if not treated on time, it can take a serious form.
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Constant itching, burning, and redness are the early signs of fungal infection.
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Round wounds and cracking or peeling layers may appear on the skin.
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Discoloration of nails, thickening, or breaking may be a sign of fungal infection.
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A white coating in the mouth, sore throat, or bad breath may point to Candida infection.
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In severe cases, fever, fatigue, pain in the limbs, or difficulty in breathing may also occur.
What Increases Your Risk of Getting a Fungal Infection?
Fungal diseases can occur due to many reasons. Some lifestyle habits and climate play a major role in this.
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Excessive sweating and wearing wet clothes for a long time increase the infection.
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This disease is more common in people living in areas with heat and humidity.
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Lack of cleanliness, especially neglect of the bends of the body.
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Sharing of infected items such as towels, shoes, slippers, combs, etc.
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Weak immunity due to diabetes, HIV, chemotherapy, or steroids.
How to Prevent Fungal Infections?
A little precaution can be very effective in preventing fungal infection.
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Dry the body completely after bathing, especially in the folds of the skin.
Put on loose-fitting clothing made of cotton that may absorb perspiration and let air flow.
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Change your shoes, socks, and undergarments daily, and keep them clean.
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Do not share towels, slippers, or bedding with the infected person.
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Be careful and wear shoes in crowded places like gyms, swimming pools, etc.
When to See a Doctor for a Fungal Infection?
As soon as you see any signs of a fungal infection, get in touch with a dermatologist. Self-medication can worsen the condition.
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Doctors usually start treatment with antifungal creams, lotions, or powders.
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In severe cases, antifungal tablets or capsules need to be taken.
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It is important to complete the full course of treatment; stopping in between can cause recurrence of the infection.
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This disease can be completely cured with regular cleaning, medication, and nutrition.
Can Home Remedies Treat Funagl Infections?
Some natural and home remedies can help reduce fungal infections, but they should be adopted only with the advice of a doctor.
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Use boiled water of neem leaves to wash the skin—it has antifungal properties.
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Mix tea tree oil with coconut oil and apply—it helps prevent fungal growth.
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Apply garlic paste on the affected area—it contains allicin, which fights fungus.
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Mixing apple cider vinegar in water and washing the skin provides relief from the infection.
Top 25 MCQs on Fungal Diseases for UPSC Exams
Practice the Top 25 MCQs on Fungal Diseases to strengthen understanding of pathogenic fungi, disease transmission, prevention, and public health relevance, enhancing readiness for UPSC prelims and other competitive examinations.
1. "Ringworm" is a common skin infection caused by:
a) A worm
b) A fungus (Dermatophyte)
c) A virus
d) Bacteria
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Answer: b) A fungus (Dermatophyte)
Despite the name, it involves no worms. It is caused by fungi that feed on keratin, creating a circular, red, itchy rash.
2. Which fungal disease is medically known as "Tinea Pedis"?
a) Jock Itch
b) Athlete's Foot
c) Oral Thrush
d) Scalp Ringworm
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Answer: b) Athlete's Foot
This infection affects the skin on the feet, typically between the toes, causing peeling, redness, and severe itching, common in damp environments.
3. "Mucormycosis," which surged during the COVID-19 pandemic in India, is commonly called:
a) White Fungus
b) Black Fungus
c) Yellow Fungus
d) Red Fungus
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Answer: b) Black Fungus
It is a rare but serious infection caused by mucormycetes molds. It affects the sinuses, brain, and lungs, often turning tissues black.
4. What is the primary component of the Fungal Cell Wall?
a) Cellulose
b) Chitin
c) Peptidoglycan
d) Silica
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Answer: b) Chitin
Unlike plants (cellulose) or bacteria (peptidoglycan), fungi use chitin for structural strength, the same material found in insect exoskeletons.
5. "Candidiasis" (Yeast Infection) is caused by the overgrowth of which fungus?
a) Aspergillus
b) Candida albicans
c) Penicillium
d) Cryptococcus
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Answer: b) Candida albicans
Candida normally lives on skin and mucous membranes harmlessly, but overgrowth leads to infections like Oral Thrush or vaginal yeast infections.
6. Which organ is primarily affected by "Aspergillosis"?
a) Liver
b) Lungs
c) Stomach
d) Heart
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Answer: b) Lungs
Caused by inhaling *Aspergillus* spores common in dust/soil. It can cause allergic reactions or severe lung infections in immunocompromised people.
7. "Dandruff" and Seborrheic Dermatitis are often linked to which yeast-like fungus?
a) Malassezia
b) Rhizopus
c) Fusarium
d) Histoplasma
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Answer: a) Malassezia
This fungus feeds on scalp oils (sebum). Its overgrowth irritates the skin, causing faster cell turnover and the flaking known as dandruff.
8. The study of fungi is known as:
a) Phycology
b) Mycology
c) Virology
d) Cytology
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Answer: b) Mycology
Mycology covers the genetic, biochemical, and medical aspects of fungi, including mushrooms, molds, and yeasts.
9. Which famous antibiotic was derived from a fungus?
a) Streptomycin
b) Penicillin
c) Tetracycline
d) Ciprofloxacin
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Answer: b) Penicillin
Derived from the *Penicillium* mold, it was the first antibiotic discovered, revolutionizing the treatment of bacterial infections.
10. "Onychomycosis" refers to a fungal infection of the:
a) Hair
b) Nails (Fingernails or Toenails)
c) Eyes
d) Ears
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Answer: b) Nails (Fingernails or Toenails)
It causes nails to become thickened, discolored (yellow/brown), and brittle. It is notoriously difficult to cure completely.
11. "Aflatoxins" are dangerous toxins produced by fungi found in:
a) Fresh water
b) Improperly stored grains and peanuts
c) Fresh fruits
d) Milk
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Answer: b) Improperly stored grains and peanuts
Produced by *Aspergillus flavus*, aflatoxins are potent carcinogens that can cause liver cancer and damage.
12. "Histoplasmosis" is often contracted by inhaling spores from:
a) Bird or Bat droppings (Guano)
b) Dog saliva
c) Mosquito bites
d) Rusty iron
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Answer: a) Bird or Bat droppings (Guano)
Also known as "Cave Disease," the fungus *Histoplasma* grows in nitrogen-rich soil contaminated by droppings.
13. Why are fungal infections harder to treat than bacterial ones?
a) Fungi are invisible
b) Fungi are Eukaryotic (like human cells)
c) Fungi move fast
d) Bacteria are weaker
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Answer: b) Fungi are Eukaryotic (like human cells)
Since fungal cells are biologically similar to human cells, drugs that kill fungi can often be toxic to the human host as well.
14. "Amphotericin B" is a powerful drug used to treat:
a) Mild headaches
b) Severe, life-threatening fungal infections
c) Viral flu
d) Bacterial pneumonia
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Answer: b) Severe, life-threatening fungal infections
Often used for Black Fungus or systemic Candida, it is known for significant side effects, particularly kidney toxicity.
15. "Ergotism" (St. Anthony's Fire) is caused by consuming rye infected with:
a) Bacteria
b) Claviceps purpurea fungus
c) Viruses
d) Insects
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Answer: b) Claviceps purpurea fungus
Ingesting ergot alkaloids causes hallucinations, convulsions, and gangrene. It historically caused mass poisoning events.
16. What is "Tinea Cruris"?
a) Fungal infection of the scalp
b) Jock Itch (Groin infection)
c) Foot infection
d) Hand infection
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Answer: b) Jock Itch (Groin infection)
It is a dermatophyte infection of the groin area, common in athletes or those who sweat heavily, causing an itchy red rash.
17. "Dimorphic Fungi" are unique because:
a) They glow in the dark
b) They can switch between Yeast form and Mold form based on temperature
c) They have two heads
d) They live underwater
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Answer: b) They can switch between Yeast form and Mold form based on temperature
"Mold in the cold, Yeast in the beast." They grow as mold in the environment (25°C) and yeast in the human body (37°C).
18. "Cryptococcal Meningitis" is a severe fungal infection most dangerous to:
a) Children
b) HIV/AIDS patients and immunocompromised individuals
c) Athletes
d) Farmers
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Answer: b) HIV/AIDS patients and immunocompromised individuals
Caused by *Cryptococcus neoformans*, it attacks the brain membranes. It is a leading cause of death in HIV patients.
19. "Wheat Rust" is a devastating fungal disease affecting:
a) Humans
b) Wheat crops
c) Cattle
d) Steel pipes
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Answer: b) Wheat crops
Caused by *Puccinia* species, it appears as rust-colored patches on plant stems/leaves and can destroy entire harvests.
20. What is "Mycetoma" (Madura Foot)?
a) A fungal shoe
b) A chronic, destructive infection of the foot/subcutaneous tissues
c) A skin rash
d) A bone disease
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Answer: b) A chronic, destructive infection of the foot/subcutaneous tissues
Common in tropical regions, it enters through minor cuts. It causes massive swelling and granule discharge, often leading to amputation.
21. "Keratin" is the protein that Dermatophytes (skin fungi) feed on. Where is it found?
a) Blood
b) Skin, hair, and nails
c) Liver
d) Stomach acid
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Answer: b) Skin, hair, and nails
This is why ringworm infections are superficial and restricted to these outer layers, as the fungus needs keratin to survive.
22. "Pneumocystis pneumonia" (PCP) is an opportunistic fungal infection associated with:
a) Weak immune systems (e.g., AIDS)
b) Eating raw fish
c) Smoking
d) Running marathons
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Answer: a) Weak immune systems (e.g., AIDS)
It is rare in healthy people but is a major indicator disease for the progression of HIV to AIDS.
23. "Oral Thrush" appears as:
a) Black spots on the tongue
b) White, creamy patches on the tongue and inner cheeks
c) Bleeding gums
d) Tooth decay
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Answer: b) White, creamy patches on the tongue and inner cheeks
Common in babies, elderly, or asthmatics using steroid inhalers, it is a surface infection of *Candida albicans*.
24. Which environment best promotes fungal growth?
a) Cold and dry
b) Warm, dark, and moist
c) Hot and sunny
d) Freezing
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Answer: b) Warm, dark, and moist
This explains why fungal infections like Athlete's Foot thrive in sweaty shoes, locker rooms, and humid climates.
25. "Sporotrichosis" is often called "Rose Gardener's Disease" because:
a) It smells like roses
b) It is transmitted via prickly plants like rose bushes
c) It turns skin red
d) It affects only gardeners
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Answer: b) It is transmitted via prickly plants like rose bushes
The fungus lives on plant matter and enters the skin through small cuts or thorn pricks, causing nodular lesions.
Conclusion—Do Not Take Fungal Infections Lightly
Now that you know what fungal diseases are, their symptoms, causes, and prevention, it is important that you stay alert. Body hygiene, staying dry, and timely treatment are the keys to preventing fungal diseases. This disease may look small, but it can take a serious form if ignored. Take precautions today to protect yourself and your family’s health.
Online Courses, Reference Books, & Websites
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