Which statement about fungi is true?

• A. They cause superficial and systemic mycoses.
• B. They do not tolerate acidic conditions.
• C. They multiply only by binary fission.
• D. They require an intermediate host.

Answer: (A)

Fungi have a broad clinical impact, capable of causing both superficial infections of the skin and mucous membranes and deeper, systemic disease, especially in individuals with reduced immunity. This broad pathogenic potential makes the statement true. Dermatophytes like those that cause ringworm are classic examples of superficial fungal infections, while organisms such as Histoplasma capsulatum and Blastomyces dermatitidis can disseminate and affect internal organs, illustrating the range from surface to systemic disease.

Other ideas don’t fit because fungi can tolerate and even thrive in mildly acidic environments, so the notion that they do not tolerate acidic conditions isn’t accurate. They also don’t multiply only by binary fission; many reproduce asexually through budding or spore formation and can also undergo sexual reproduction, giving rise to spores. Additionally, fungi generally do not require an intermediate host for their life cycle or infection; most human fungal infections arise from environmental exposure to spores or hyphae rather than through an intermediate host.