Plant diseases:
Fungi are responsible for many diseases because they produce several enzymes that can breakdown cellulose, lignin and even cuticle. All plants are susceptible to them.
Extensive damages due to rusts and smut diseases of wheat, corn and rice promoted mass displacement and starvation to death of many people.
Powdery mildews, ergot of rye, red rot o sugar cane, potato wilt, cotton root rot, apple scab, and brown rot of peaches, plums, apricots and cherries are some other common plant diseases caused by fungi.
Animal diseases:
Fungi also cause certain animal diseases. Ring worm and athlete's foot are superficial fungal infections caused by certain imperfect fungi.
Candidiasis or candidosis: Yeast causes oral and vaginal thrush.
Histoplasmosis is a serious infection of lungs caused by inhaling spores of fungus which is common in soil contaminated with bird faeces.
Aspergillosis is caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, but only in person with defective immune system such as AIDS and many cause death.
Aflatoxins: Some strains of Aspergillus flavus produce one of the most carcinogenic mycotoxins called aflatoxins.