Estimates based on sequencing data suggest that there are around 5.1 million species of fungi. Yet only a small number of fungi are harmful to animals, including humans. In addition to host-pathogen interactions, there are also mutualistic interactions between fungi and animals. Diseases caused by pathogenic fungi range from allergic reactions and superficial infections to invasive mycoses, and have a significant impact on human and animal life. Fungi are also cultivated by animals as a food source in highly developed relationships or are even involved in gut mutualism.
This 3rd edition of Volume 6 of The Mycota highlights exemplary interactions between fungal pathogens and their host(s). The book is organized in three parts:
The up-to-date reviews by experts in the field provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of the various research topics in the field of human and animal relationships with fungi and will hopefully help researchers to find inspiration for their own research.