Microbiology & Infectious Diseases

Fungal Diseases

Applied Mycology is a Biological discipline comprising the study of fungi, their frame-work, their genetic and biochemical characteristics, taxonomy and their benefits especially as a primary source of wine, edible mushrooms, cheese, and their adverse effects with respect to their toxin or infection. Fungi and other organisms such as oomycetes and myxomycetes, often are economically crucial, as the pathogenic fungi affects animals by causing diseases like histoplasmosis. Recent studies asserts that mushrooms  have hypoglycemic, immune system-enhancing, anti-pathogenic and anti-cancer drug development. Food spoilage induced by fungi and yeasts can be more compelling, notably in innumerable  food groups particularly that are acidic and/or have low moisture content. Mycotoxicology is a sub-branch focusing on toxins produced by fungi, called mycotoxins. Fungi have an important role in the ecosystem as they break down and eventually decompose dead plants, animals and other organic matter; while some destructive fungi attack living organisms resulting in casualties to the forest industry. Fungi are also a discrete source of food, fuel, pharmaceuticals and pesticides. Being eukaryotes, fungi are an essential tool in various biotechnological applications and in bioremediation. The Global Healthcare industry was at its peak  at USD 27,861.2 million in the year 2013 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% to attain estimated USD 41,929.1 million by 2019.