The Rise of Fungi: Evidence on the Global Scale. Old Known Silences or Mysterious Threats to the Planet
Diniz Pereira Leite Júnior *
School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil. and Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Laboratory Investigation, Medicine School, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Cuiabá, MT, Brazil.
Gisela Lara da Costa
Taxonomy, Biochemistry and Fungal Bioprospecting Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Elisangela Santana de Oliveira Dantas
Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Cuiabá, MT, Brazil.
Diana Costa Nascimento
School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Debora Moreira
School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Ronaldo Sousa Pereira
Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Laboratory Investigation, Medicine School, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Cuiabá, MT, Brazil.
Regina Teixeira Barbieri Ramos
School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Mário Mendes Bonci
School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Margareth Léa da Silva Maia
School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Rinaldo Ferreira Gandra
University Hospital, State University of West Paraná (UNIOESTE), Cascavel, PR, Brazil.
Marcos Ereno Auler
Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Western Center of Paraná (UNICENTRO), Campus CEDETEG, Guarapuava, PR, Brazil.
Marcia de Souza Carvalho Melhem
Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, MS, Brazil. and Institute Adolfo Lutz (IAL), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Claudete Rodrigues Paula
School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Fungi are organisms that present themselves in multicellular macroscopic and unicellular microscopic forms. They are eukaryotic, heterotrophic, reproduce asexually/sexually, cosmopolitan, achlorophyllates and are present in various climatic conditions and found in a variety of species and forms in nature.
Aims: Present the emerging evolution of fungi, their underreporting, scale and parameters that show their potential as a heterotrophic organism, decomposer and pathogen.
Methodology: In this review, we conducted a search emphasizing themes about fungi using the available databases and based on the scientific literature, we discussed a series of recent issues involving this wide realm and the constant controversies and expectations that guide the existence of fungi on the planet.
Results: The results presented show an analysis of the action of these eukaryotic organisms and their interaction with other living beings, the constant changes in taxonomy, their pathogenic potential in plants and animals, issues related to the intrinsic resistance of some species to drugs and also the potential biotechnological for which these organisms demonstrate high plasticity.
Conclusion: The expansion of fungal diseases to the fauna and flora of the planet; leads us to believe that, unless measures are taken to reinforce biosafety issues, it will be increasingly necessary to take care of the health conditions of the planet to avoid a global collapse caused by microscopic beings.
Keywords: Mycology, pathogens, fungi kingdom, tropical diseases, fauna and flora.