What is Mycology?

Mycology ​describes and studies  a very group of organisms denominated fungi. This group of organisms contains an estimated of 1.5 million species, and estimated thousands are describe every year. of which 300 are human pathogens and 8,000 are known to cause disease in plants.

​

Fungi are very variable, because they include both macroscopic (mushrooms) and microscopic organisms. Fungi are widely found in the environment, they have multiple beneficial effects and applications, but also cause plagues and diseases. Experts agree that fungal pathogens are a serious threat to human health (mycosis), food biosecurity and ecosystem resilience, so their control is mandatory.

​

In medical mycology, fungi are classified according to practical aspects as yeasts, molds and dimorphic fungi. Over the past years landmarks in this field included discoveries and characterization of dimorphic fungi, recognition of fungi development of laboratory diagnostic test and classification systems, and initial epidemiologic and ecologic investigations.

​

​