Description
Source: IndiaToday
Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.
Context
Valley fever, a fungal disease endemic to the western United States, is seeing a significant rise in cases across California.
Details
About the fever
- Valley fever (coccidioidomycosis) is a fungal infection.
- It lives in the soil in the southwestern U.S., parts of Washington state, and Central and South America.
- Non-contagious: It does not spread from person to person but is contracted by inhaling fungal spores from the environment.
- Most cases are mild, with either no symptoms or flu-like symptoms that resolve on their own.
- However, in rare cases, it can cause serious health complications or ongoing lung problems.
- Chronic pulmonary coccidioidomycosis may lead to additional symptoms:
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- Coughing up blood
- Weight loss
- Chest pain
Causes
- Valley fever is caused by inhaling fungal spores from the Coccidioides species, which can grow into clusters in the lungs and spread throughout the body.
- Two species of fungi can cause the infection.
- Coccidioides immitis: Found in California.
- Coccidioides posadasii: Found in other parts of the U.S. and Central/South America.
- The fungus is often released into the air by disturbing the soil during construction, dust storms, or farming activities.
About Fungi
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Definition
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Fungi are a kingdom of spore-producing organisms that feed on organic matter, including molds, yeast, mushrooms, and more.
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Characteristics
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- Eukaryotic organisms (have a defined nucleus)
- Lack chlorophyll (non-photosynthetic)
- Rigid cell walls made of chitin
- Reproduce via spores
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Types of Fungi
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- Molds: Multicellular filamentous organisms, e.g., Penicillium.
- Yeasts: Unicellular, e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- Mushrooms: Macroscopic fungi that form fruiting bodies.
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Habitat
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Found in a variety of environments including soil, decaying matter, air, and as parasites on plants, animals, and humans.
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Reproduction
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- Asexual: Via spore formation, budding, or fragmentation.
- Sexual: Involves the fusion of two compatible nuclei.
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Role in Ecosystem
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- Decomposers: Break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients.
- Symbionts: Form mutualistic relationships (e.g., mycorrhizae with plant roots).
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Benefits
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- Used in food production (e.g., yeast in bread, fermentation for alcohol).
- Production of antibiotics (e.g., Penicillin).
- Biodegradation.
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Harmful Effects
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- Causes diseases in plants, animals, and humans (e.g., athlete's foot, ringworm).
- Can spoil food and damage crops (e.g., Aspergillus species).
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Read about diseases:
https://www.iasgyan.in/blogs/diseases-and-its-types
Sources:
IndiaToday
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PRACTICE QUESTION
Q: Consider the following diseases:
- Rift Valley Fever
- Colorado Tick Fever
- Gonorrhea
Which of the above diseases are caused by fungi?
A. 1 and 2
B. 2 and 3
C. None
D. 1,2 and 3
Answer: C
Explanation:
Rift Valley Fever: A viral disease that primarily affects animals but can also infect humans. It is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause severe disease in both animals and humans.
Colorado Tick Fever: A viral infection transmitted by the bite of infected ticks, causing symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches.
Gonorrhea: A sexually transmitted bacterial infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, affecting the genitals, rectum, and throat.
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