Finally, some mycoses are termed opportunistic, and these may involve a variety of body sites. The following table outlines these different types of mycotic infection, giving examples of representative agents. Limited to outer layers of skin and hair. Diseases are generally cosmetic, not life-threatening. Involves dermis, subcutaneous tissues and muscle.
Most primary infections are inapparent.
Progression may produce pulmonary symptoms or ulcerative lesions. Host responses produce formation of syncytia, fibrous tissue, granulomas and calcified lesions. Representative organisms are dimorphic, except for Cryptococcus , which is a yeast. Most common clinical presentation is meningitis. Some of the tissue responses may be due to mycotoxins, which are fungal metabolites that are toxic to the host.