Microbiology Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

The term that describes the process of systemic fungal infections is mycosis. Mycosis refers specifically to any disease caused by the invasion of a fungus in the body, which can lead to either superficial or systemic infections depending on the type of fungus and the immune status of the host. In the context of systemic fungal infections, the fungi typically enter the body and disseminate through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, causing widespread effects.

Mycetoma, although related to fungal infections, specifically refers to a localized, chronic infection typically affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissues caused by certain fungal species or bacteria. Myopathy, on the other hand, relates to diseases of the muscle, and is not related to fungal infections at all. Mycobacteriosis refers to infections caused by mycobacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which are not fungi but bacteria. Thus, mycosis is the appropriate term for the overarching category encompassing systemic fungal infections.