Introduction to Fungi
Classification, Morphology and
Pathogenicity
,• Mykes (Greek word) : Mushroom
• Differ from bacteria and other prokaryotes:
1. Cell walls containing chitin (rigidity & support), mannan &
other polysaccharides
2. Cytoplasmic membrane contains Ergosterols
3. Possess true nuclei with nuclear membrane & paired
chromosomes
4. Divide asexually, sexually or by both
5. Unicellular or multicellular
, Diverse group of chemoheterotrophs
Over 100,000 fungal species identified
Only about 100 are human or animal pathogens
Most human fungal infections are nosocomial and/or occur in
immunocompromised individuals (opportunistic infections)
Saprophytic fungus
Parasitic fungus
Most are aerobes or facultative anaerobes
Classification, Morphology and
Pathogenicity
,• Mykes (Greek word) : Mushroom
• Differ from bacteria and other prokaryotes:
1. Cell walls containing chitin (rigidity & support), mannan &
other polysaccharides
2. Cytoplasmic membrane contains Ergosterols
3. Possess true nuclei with nuclear membrane & paired
chromosomes
4. Divide asexually, sexually or by both
5. Unicellular or multicellular
, Diverse group of chemoheterotrophs
Over 100,000 fungal species identified
Only about 100 are human or animal pathogens
Most human fungal infections are nosocomial and/or occur in
immunocompromised individuals (opportunistic infections)
Saprophytic fungus
Parasitic fungus
Most are aerobes or facultative anaerobes
