Fungus

Fungus, any member of a diverse group of organisms that—unlike plants and animals—obtain food by absorbing nutrients from an external source. The fossil record suggests that fungi were present 550 million years ago and may have evolved even earlier. Today thousands of different types of fungi grow on and absorb food from substances such as soil, wood, decaying organic matter, or living plants and other organisms. They range from tiny, un-seen organisms, to some …

…Candida, especially Candida albicans, can infect both internal organs and mucous membranes of the mouth Or throat, and genital tract. In people with impaired immunity, this organism can cause a chronic infection. Many drugs are available for treating fungal infections. These include both intravenous and oral drugs, and many agents are available for topical (local) application. Persons chronically infected with Candida,Histoplasma, or Cryptococcus may require long-term therapy with an oral or an intravenous drug.