Epidemiology of Fungal Zoonoses

Fungal zoonoses are significant public health problems worldwide. Humans can be infected by a wide range of fungal species, including those derived from non-human primates and animals. Zoonotic infections caused by fungi are highly prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. The transmission of zoonotic fungi from vertebrates to humans is associated with substantial economic losses on a global scale. Changes in demography, environmental alterations, climate change, technological advancements, and land use practices contribute to the emergence and spread of fungal diseases. Understanding the fungal agent, the host, and the environment, three fundamental components of epidemiology, is important in comprehending the dynamics of these diseases. Fungal zoonoses are an important public health problem worldwide with the potential to cause outbreaks. Even though fungal infections are uncommon among immunocompetent humans and non-human vertebrate animals, an increase in fungal infections has been reported in the past, especially among immunocompromised hosts, during the last two decades. This chapter provides an overview of fungal zoonoses, including their epidemiology, transmission, and preventive measures.