Difference Between Black, White and Yellow Fungus
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: November 14th, 2023
The difference between black, white and yellow fungus is that black fungus belongs to Mucormycosis, white fungus belongs to yeast, whereas yellow fungus belongs to Myxomycetes. Fungi are single or multicellular organisms that can be found in multiple habitats. Fungal species that grow in soil are major decomposers that live on dead and decaying matter.
Difference Between Black, White and Yellow Fungus PDF
Black, white and yellow fungus differ based on their causes, symptoms, treatment, etc. These fungal species are important for recycling different elements in nature. Some fungal species are parasites that cause diseases in plants and humans. This article highlights the elemental difference between black, white and yellow fungus.
Table of content
Difference Between Black, White and Yellow Fungus
Recently, with the increasing cases of COVID-19, a surge in the cases of black, yellow, and white fungus was reported. The difference between black, white and yellow fungus based on some important parameters is mentioned below.
Black vs White vs Yellow Fungus
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Difference Between Black, White and Yellow Fungus |
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Parameters |
Black Fungus |
White Fungus |
Yellow Fungus |
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Belongs to |
Mucormycosis |
Yeast |
Myxomycetes |
|
Caused by |
Mucormycetes |
Candida species |
Mucor septic |
|
Incidence in Humans |
Spores commonly found in air |
Common commensal in humans |
Found in reptiles like lizards but not in humans |
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Symptoms |
Nasal Congestion Fever Headache Chest pain Blackened skin tissue |
Fever Chest pain Coughing Breathlessness Headaches Diarrhoea |
Pneumonia Nasal blockage Low appetite Extreme tiredness Weight loss Extreme infection can cause pus leakage and slow healing of wounds. Organ failure Sunken eyes |
|
Treatment |
Antifungal Drug Amphotericin B |
Antifungal Drug Amphotericin B |
Antifungal Drug Amphotericin B |
|
Lethality |
Lethal |
Mildly lethal |
Highly lethal |
Black, White and Yellow Fungus
The initial outbreak of black fungus or Mucormycosis was reported in many patients, followed by white and yellow fungus. Experts know the lethal consequences of fungal co-infections in COVID-19 patients with immunocompromised conditions.
- Thus, it is important to maintain high levels of hygiene and cleanliness while treating patients infected by opportunistic fungal species.
- The fungal spores are ubiquitous in our environment but do not harm humans under healthy conditions.
- They pose a threat to people whose immune systems are weakened due to infection and the use of drugs.
- The fungal infections caused by opportunistic fungal species can commonly lead to cases of hospitalization and death.
- The Indian government, under “Mission COVID Suraksha,” channelized the power of public-private partnerships to increase the production of COVID vaccines and the antifungal drug Amphotericin B to combat COVID and related fungal infections.
Black Fungus
Black fungus, also known as mucormycosis, can affect a patient’s face, nose, eye orbit, and even brain, which can cause vision loss. The lungs can become infected by this kind of fungus as well.
- According to research, people with diabetes, those who have Covid-19, and people who have taken steroids for a long time are more likely to contract the black fungus.
- It has been claimed that even a prolonged stay in the intensive care unit can raise the risk of black fungus.
White Fungus
Recent cases have shown that white fungi are more deadly than black fungi. Doctors have also stressed that if the fungus is not treated promptly, it could be fatal. It harms the lungs and may harm the digestive, brain, and respiratory systems.
- People with inadequate immunity are the main targets of white fungus infections.
- Additionally, environments with mould and poor sanitation are the ideal setting for anyone to get this infection.
Yellow Fungus
The third form of fungus to be identified is a yellow fungus, the deadliest of the three. Even though there is little information about the infection, it is crucial to understand that it begins in unhygienic settings.
- A larger risk of contracting the yellow fungus is allegedly present in people who live in unhygienic environments.
- Additionally, it can be brought on by eating contaminated food, abusing steroids excessively, taking antimicrobial drugs, and not getting enough oxygen.
Preventive Measures to Reduce Black, White and Yellow Fungus
The majority of fungal infections are caused in patients with weak immune systems. Patients affected with fungal infections should be immediately reported for quick treatment. It is important to take the following precautions around patients to reduce the chances of fungal infections.
- Maintain good hygiene.
- Keep the surroundings clean.
- Maintain humidity levels between 30 to 40 per cent.
- Spoiled food should not be consumed.
Conclusion:
Key Difference Between Black, White and Yellow Fungus
The key Difference Between Black, White and Yellow Fungus is that Black Fungus causes sinusitis or clogging and congestion of the nose, white Fungus is caused by fungi moulds seen in the atmosphere, and Yellow fungus directly bombards the internal organs of the body.
