What is the definition of mycosis?

Mycosis refers specifically to an infection caused by a fungus. This term encompasses a wide range of fungal infections that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, lungs, and other organs. Fungi can be opportunistic pathogens, taking advantage of weakened immune systems, or they can cause infections in healthy individuals as well.

In contrast to mycosis, viral infections, bacterial infections, and allergic reactions each pertain to different pathogens or immune responses. Viral infections are caused by viruses, which are distinct from fungi in structure and function. Similarly, bacterial infections result from bacteria, which are unicellular organisms that differ significantly from fungal organisms. Allergic reactions are immune responses to typically harmless substances and are not infections at all. This clarity in definitions underlines why mycosis is uniquely defined as a fungal infection.