What percentage of fungi are known to be pathogenic?

Fungi are a diverse group of organisms, and while there are thousands of species within this kingdom, only a small fraction are known to cause disease in humans and animals. Current estimates indicate that approximately 150 species of fungi are recognized as pathogens. Given the vast number of known fungal species, which is estimated to be over 1.5 million, the percentage of fungi that are pathogenic indeed falls around 5-10%.

The option indicating that about 50% of fungi are pathogenic greatly overestimates this number. Correctly understanding the context of pathogenic fungi is essential for proper infection control practices. Identifying the smaller percentage helps healthcare providers focus more effectively on the most relevant pathogens while understanding that the overwhelming majority of fungi are either benign or play beneficial roles in the ecosystem. This awareness is critical in the context of infection control, as it aids in prioritizing which organisms to monitor, treat, and control in clinical settings.