Overload
Fungal infection
Category: Illness or disabilities
Type
Involuntary
Introduction and description
A fungus is a member of a large group of eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and moulds, as well as the more familiar mushrooms. These organisms are classified as a kingdom, separate from plants, animals, and bacteria. One major differentiator is that fungal cells have walls that contain chitin, unlike the cell walls of plants, which contain cellulose, and unlike the cell walls of bacteria. Abundant worldwide, most fungi are inconspicuous because of the small size of their structures. Fungi perform an essential role in the decomposition of organic matter and have fundamental roles in nutrient cycling and exchange. There are fungi living in our Intestines which have a role in breaking down our food to extract nutrients. They have also long been used as a direct source of food, such as mushrooms and truffles, as a leavening agent for bread, and in fermentation of various food products, such as wine, beer, and soy sauce.

But they can become either an irritating nuisance or a serious pathogen when they attack us.
There are an estimated 1.5 million to 5 million species, and only about 5% of these having been formally classified, which means that there may be fungi attacking us at this very moment of which we are still not aware. They may be causing diseases without us realising it.
We are only just beginning to discover the enormous role that bacteria, viruses, toxins, parasites and heavy metals play in disease. The next big area of exploration may well be fungus [the Big Six].
Although spiritual experiences are caused by the diseases and illnesses fungi create, these are covered in the sections on these diseases. But there is an interesting area which results from the use of Anti-fungals - Fungal Infection treatments - where a considerable number of hallucinations have resulted from their use. So if the fungus doesn't get you, the pharmaceutical will.
Examples
The correct medical name for a fungal infection in human beings is Mycosis. Examples of funguses that can cause major illnesses and diseases include the following:
- Aspergillus - are a species of moulds and fungus which are found in almost all oxygen-rich environments, where they commonly grow as moulds on the surface of a substrate. Aspergillus species are common contaminants of starchy foods (such as bread and potatoes). Aspergillus are also capable of growing in nutrient-depleted environments, or environments in which there is a complete lack of key nutrients. A. niger is a prime example of this; it can be found growing on damp walls, as a major component of mildew. More than 60 Aspergillus species are medically relevant pathogens. For humans there is a range of diseases such as infection to the external ear, skin lesions, and ulcers classed as mycetomas. They also cause respiratory diseases
- Blastomyces dermatitidis - is the causal agent of blastomycosis, a potentially very serious disease that typically begins with a characteristically subtle pneumonia-like infection that may progress, after 1–6 months, to a disseminated phase that causes lesions to form in capillary beds throughout the body, most notably the skin, internal organs, central nervous system and bone marrow. The fungus lives in soil and wet, decaying wood, often in an area close to a waterway such as a lake, river or stream. Indoor growth may also occur. The fungus is endemic to parts of eastern North America, it occurs rarely in Africa both north and south of the Sahara desert, as well as in the Arabian Peninsula and the Indian subcontinent.
- Candida - is a genus of yeasts and is currently the most common cause of fungal infections worldwide. Many species are harmless, however, when mucosal barriers are disrupted or the immune system is compromised they can invade and cause disease. Candida albicans is currently the most commonly isolated species, and can cause infections (candidiasis or thrush) in humans and other animals. Antibiotics promote yeast infections, including gastrointestinal Candida overgrowth, and penetration of the GI mucosa. Prolonged antibiotic use increases the risk for both men and women. C. albicans thrives in warm damp places and survives on sugars – it ferments glucose and maltose to acid and gas, and sucrose to acid.
- Claviceps - The Ergot or ergot fungi, refers to a group of fungi of the genus Claviceps that grows on rye and related plants. It contains alkaloids that can cause ergotism in humans and other mammals who consume grains contaminated with its fruiting structure. Claviceps includes about 50 known species, mostly in the tropical regions.
- C. purpurea - is parasitic on grasses and cereals; for example rye (its most common host), as well as triticale, wheat and barley. It affects oats only rarely
- C. fusiformis - is found on pearl millet and buffel grass
- C. paspali is found on dallis grass
- C. africana is found on sorghum
The ergot fungus replaces the kernels of the fruit with small black masses of mycelium. It produces ergotamine, a potent vasoconstrictor – the ergot alkaloids affect the vascular system constricting blood vessels. In the Middle Ages, controlled doses of ergot were used to induce abortions and to stop maternal bleeding after childbirth. The illness it produces is more commonly known as St Anthony's Fire
- Coccidioides is the cause of Coccidioidomycosis, also known as San Joaquin Valley Fever, an infectious fungal disease largely confined to the Western Hemisphere and endemic in the Southwestern United States. The host acquires the disease via respiratory inhalation of spores disseminated in their natural habitat. The causative agents of coccidioidomycosis are Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii.
- Cryptococcus - There are about 37 recognized species of Cryptococcus, but the taxonomy of the group is currently being re-evaluated. The majority of species live in the soil and are not harmful to humans. Very common species include Cryptococcus laurentii and Cryptococcus albidus. Of all species, Cryptococcus neoformans is the major human and animal pathogen. However, Cryptococcus laurentii and Cryptococcus albidus have been known to occasionally cause moderate-to-severe disease. The main disease caused is a severe form of meningitis.
- Fusarium is a large genus of fungi widely distributed in soil and in association with plants. Most species are harmless and are relatively abundant members of the soil microbial community. But some species produce mycotoxins in cereal crops that can affect human health if they enter the food chain. They can cause infections in the nails (onychomycosis) and in the cornea (keratomycosis or mycotic keratitis). In humans whose immune systems are compromised, aggressive fusarial infections can penetrate the entire body and bloodstream. Disseminated infections may be caused by members of the Fusarium solani complex, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium verticillioides, Fusarium proliferatum and, rarely, other fusarial species
- Histoplasma is a genus of dimorphic fungi commonly found in bird and bat fecal material. Histoplasma contains a few species, including—H. capsulatum—the causative agent of histoplasmosis. Histoplasmosis is also known as "Cave disease," "Darling's disease,", "Ohio valley disease,", "Reticuloendotheliosis,", "Spelunker’s Lung" and "Caver's disease". Symptoms of this infection vary greatly, but the disease affects primarily the lungs. Occasionally, other organs are affected; this is called disseminated histoplasmosis, and it can be fatal if left untreated.
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Tinea versicolor - is a fungus infection that commonly affects the skin of young people, especially the chest, back, and upper arms and legs. Tinea versicolor is caused by a fungus that lives in the skin of some adults. It does not usually affect the face. This fungus produces spots that are either lighter than the skin or a reddish-brown. This fungus exists in two forms, one of them causing visible spots. Factors that can cause the fungus to become more visible include high humidity, as well as immune or hormone abnormalities. However, almost all people with this very common condition are healthy.
- Microsporum, Trichophyton and Epidermophyton fungi, - which together comprise 41 species cause yet more skin diseases given the name “Cutaneous mycoses”. These infections occur deeper into the epidermis, and also include invasive hair and nail diseases. Unlike the superficial mycoses, host immune responses may be evoked resulting in pathologic changes expressed in the deeper layers of the skin. The resulting diseases are often called ringworm (even though there is no worm involved) or tinea. The wonderfully named Jock itch, Tinea cruris, is in this class. One common disease is athlete's foot
- Scedosporium prolificans is an emerging opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes a wide variety of infections in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed people. Originally named Lomentospora prolificans in 1974, it was transferred to the genus Scedosporium in 1991 It is resistant to most antifungal drugs and infections are often fatal.
Causes
Pharmaceuticals - quite a number of pharmaceuticals are implicated in the development of fungal infections, some examples are shown below - this list is not exhaustive but illustrative
- Antibiotics - People are at risk of fungal infections when they are taking strong antibiotics for a long period of time because antibiotics kill not only damaging bacteria, but healthy bacteria as well. This alters the balance of microorganisms in the mouth, vagina, intestines and other places in the body, and results in an overgrowth of fungus.
- Immunosuppressants – anyone on immunosuppressants, for example, those who have had transplant operations are also at risk. By the same token, Individuals with weakened immune systems are also at risk of developing fungal infections. This is the case of people with HIV/AID
- Antacids and heartburn treatments - including proton pump inhibitors
- Chemotherapy drugs - which weakens the individual anyway
- Statins
- Osteoporosis treatments
Nutritional deprivation - a diet that is too high in sugars is particularly problematic, as fungi like sugars to feed on. In much the same way a diet high in carbohydrates also has the same effect. This is why people with diabetes often get fungal infections as well, their glucose is out of balance leading to the chance for the fungus to have a wonderful feast. Cutting out the carbs and the sugars may thus help. Mineral imbalance and particulalry zinc deficiency may also play a part as without adequate supplies of zinc, the immune system cannot operate well
Sick buildings - in effect buildings whether houses or offices, factories or function rooms that are badly ventilated, poorly cleaned and which are able to harbour fungi as a consequence. To this we must also add all those communla buildings which are by their nature damp and warm - such as swimming pools and gyms. There is a particular risk of picking up fungal infections from both these places, the shower rooms, for example, are a paradise for fungus.
Accidental Inhalation - as a sort of extension of the sick building category, many fungal infections are caused directly by inhalation of the spores of the fungi. A badly ventilated humid building can be one source, but anywhere that fungi are growing and fruiting is a risky place.
"Systemic mycoses due to primary pathogens originate primarily in the lungs and may spread to many organ systems. Organisms that cause systemic mycoses are inherently virulent. In general primary pathogens that cause systemic mycoses are dimorphic".
Surgery and physical trauma - to quote "Subcutaneous mycoses involve the dermis, subcutaneous tissues, muscle and fascia. These infections are chronic and can be initiated by piercing trauma to the skin which allows the fungi to enter. These infections are difficult to treat and may require surgical interventions such as debridement".

Spoilt food - whether it is bread or the wheat from which bread is made, mouldy jam, mouldy fruit, and so on. If we eat bad food, we are ingesting fungus. I had a rather silly friend who used to scrape the mould off jam, cut the bad bits out of bread and generally behave in a rash manner. She joked about needing the penicillin. She was ill quite a lot. You can't see where the mould is growing, it may be visible on the surface but invisible underneath. Throw bad food away.
Blood circulatory diseases – if the blood supply cannot get to the limbs and areas under attack, the immune system is unable to fight the fungus. Nail fungus tends to affect men more often than women, for example, possibly because they suffer more frequently from circulatory problems.
Inappropriate shoes and clothes – if the skin can ‘breathe’ and perspiration can evaporate easily and leave the skin dry then the fungus has no environment on which to thrive. Fungi like damp places, as such wearing socks and shoes, or clothes that hinder ventilation and do not let perspiration wick away, for example, makes things worse. Use natural fibres. Big cotton knickers work wonders [and they can be quite sexy in a slightly off the wall way...].
Treatment
Symptom based - The symptom based approach used ati-fungals, you can read about them in the section Fungal infection treatments.
Cause based - The cause based approach is to find out what got you and correct this. See also Healing yourself
I will also add a bit of cause based advice from my Mum. Where do fungi grow? Damp, dark , warm to cool places. So what is the solution?
- Light - Being naked in the sun
- Dry high heat - Warmth and for example dry saunas , or even desert conditions. This also helps the circulation
What is our best protection? Our immune system. So how do we help the immune system?
- Gentle Exercise - to help the blood flow round our veins and take the killer T cells to do their stuff
- Good food - see Eating for health. The use of zinc to help the immune system also sometimes helps. Eat foods with zinc in them.
Finally, wash between your toes, dry yourself thoroughly after a shower, dry your hair on highish heat, wash with water only [no fancy soap or shower gels] to make sure your skin keeps its protective acidic layer - at least that's what my Mum used to say and who am I to contradict my Mum - who incidentally lived till she was 83 and was hardly ever ill, with only an occasional headache from us. [Dementia got her in the end from being given iron tablets when all she needed was a decent meal, but that's another story].
I have added a useful article that came from a forum of fungal infections to the Science section entitled Acid or Alkali.
How it works
Physically
The way the fungi work to give you a spiritual experience depends largely on which disease or illness results.
Logically/functionally
You need to have the Model of the Mind open and have read How spiritual experience works.
Any substance that enters our bodies is assessed for whether it is a help or a threat. When any substance enters via whatever route – by mouth, by wounds, by injection, by inhalation, by smoking or snuffing or smearing on our skin as an ointment and thus absorption via the skin, the body’s defence mechanism checks to see what it is and whether it is friend or foe.
At too high a level, at levels where cell destruction can take place and the body itself is at risk, the cells send out a message to the Will via the nervous system which says HELP HELP HELP THREAT THREAT THREAT we are being attacked we are dying DO SOMETHING.
The Will responds by mobilising its defence systems – immune system, the system of the kidneys and liver which act as filters, the stomach with the acid, the blood filtering system and so on. But at overdose levels the defence systems may be overwhelmed and the messages keep on coming in.
HELP, HELP, HELP, THREAT, THREAT, THREAT, we are being attacked, we are dying DO SOMETHING.
The Will can do no more from a defensive point of view, but it is able to release messages which help to ease the pain and this it does. Thus we get endorphins, for example, being released, which give pain relief and start to shut down functions we no longer have need of because the energy is better targeted to survival.
The presence of all these neurotransmitters is a sure sign of overdose. We don’t get a spiritual experience via neurotransmitters – neurotransmitters like these are just indicators that the body is trying to ease the pain and suffering from the damage it is experiencing.
At this point we might start to get hallucinations as the non essential functions of Memory and Learning are gradually shut down.
But if the overdose is severe and the messages continue HELP, HELP, HELP, THREAT, THREAT, THREAT, we are being attacked, we are dying DO SOMETHING. the Will takes some very drastic action and mobilises all its energy and defenses into the autonomic system.
Now comes some serious activity when we can go out of body, because the Reasoning system Memory and Learning system have all been shut down and we are in effect on automatic pilot – we have gone AWOL.
Unless the autonomic systems can handle the threat, from this point on we are dying.
Death is thus the termination of the biological functions that sustain a living organism and death by severe fungal infection can produce some very profound experiences, simply because function elimination is so very complete.
At the stage where death is inevitable what is going on is a form of controlled shut down of practically all the functions of the mind.
The function of the ‘will’ continues to manage the autonomic systems, but consciousness may be transferred from the Personality to the Higher spirit. The person is actually perceiving as the spirit from that point on.
The perception function and the perceptions go with the Higher Spirit, but all functions relating to the body are gradually shut down in a controlled way by the Will. The last function to be extinguished is the will itself and the will does not extinguish itself until metaphorically speaking the cord has been cut – the person has crossed the bridge or the stream or whatever is metaphorically shown as the divide between life and death.
Once the cord has been cut, the function of will shuts itself off. And you die.
As the perceptions go with the Higher Spirit, the Spirit takes over the process that was formerly the will, the software that controls 'seeing' and 'hearing' have no need to go with the composer because within the spiritual world perception is pure perception unfettered by the software needed to process the input from the 5 senses.
Human emotions stay behind and cease, but the divine emotions suddenly become apparent to the person – they experience – perhaps for the first time what divine love is.
Memory stays with the body and dies. All nervous sensation software/function stays with the body and dies. Reasoning dies, learning dies.
The adapted model is shown below. You are now an angel.
Related observations
Healing observations
- A protein with antiproliferative, antifungal and HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitory activities from caper (Capparis spinosa) seeds 022061
- Analysis and in vitro anti-Candida antifungal activity of Cuminum cyminum and Salvadora persica herbs extracts against pathogenic Candida strains 019915
- Anatomical, phytochemical and pharmacological studies of roots of Cnicus benedictus L FULL PAPER 017227
- Anti-Candida activity of Brazilian medicinal plants 020544
- Anti-HBV effect of individual traditional Chinese herbal medicine in vitro and in vivo: an analytic review 017490
- Antifungal activities and chemical composition of some medicinal plants 023032
- Antifungal activity of plant extracts against dermatophytes 022062
- Antifungal activity of salicylic acid against Penicillium expansum and its possible mechanisms of action 020512
- Antifungal activity of the essential oil of Illicium verum fruit and its main component trans-anethole 021100
- Antifungal and antioxidant activities of the phytomedicine pipsissewa, Chimaphila umbellata 019571
- Antimicrobial activities of Aerva javanica and Paeonia emodi plants 019429
- Antimicrobial activity of essential oil and aqueous and ethanol extracts of Teucrium polium L. subsp. gabesianum (L.H.) from Tunisia 027898
- Antimicrobial activity of natural products from the flora of Northern Ontario, Canada 019569
- Antimicrobial activity of some Alnus species 021023
- Antimicrobial efficacy of corneal cross-linking in vitro and in vivo for Fusarium solani: a potential new treatment for fungal keratitis 027372
- Avicenna - The Canon of Medicine - The importance of nutrition and effective 'purging' 011863
- Bach, Dr Edward - All we have to fear is fear itself 011143
- Berberine 019950
- Brain-Invading Tapeworm That Eluded Doctors Spotted by New DNA Test Genetic sequencing of spinal fluid hailed as an advance over standard procedures for diagnosing brain infections 026293
- Carum copticum L.: A Herbal Medicine with Various Pharmacological Effects - Anti-fungal effects 027885
- Catmint and mouth disease 006726
- Cherries, fungus and bacteria 007255
- Cod liver oil as both preventative and healing medicine 012188
- Composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of methanol extracts of some Acinos Miller species 027761
- Culpepper's Complete Herbal on Barberry 010613
- Culpepper's Complete Herbal on Figs 012386
- Culpepper's Complete Herbal on Gooseberries 012368
- Culpepper's Complete Herbal on Nettles 010614
- Culpepper's Complete Herbal on the Holy Thistle 017218
- Dementia and the immune system 006965
- Dr David Harvie-Austin - Case study with Angela Kilmartin 012313
- Dr Duke's activity for Carnosol 017757
- Dr Duke's activity in Caffeic acid 017760
- Dr Duke's list of activities for Chlorogenic acid 017767
- Dr Duke's list of activity for Ferulic acid 017775
- Dr Duke's list of activity for the chemical Daidzein 017895
- Dr Duke's list of anti-fungal activity for Carrots 012434
- Dr Duke's list of anti-fungal activity for Celery 012438
- Dr Duke's list of anti-fungal activity for Ginger 012439
- Dr Duke's list of anti-fungal activity for Grapes 012437
- Dr Duke's list of anti-fungal activity for Liquorice 012440
- Dr Duke's list of anti-fungal activity for Soy beans 012435
- Dr Duke's list of anti-fungal activity for Tea 012436
- Dr Duke's list of Chemicals and their Biological Activities in Pilocarpus microphyllus 018158
- Dr Duke's list of Chemicals and their Biological Activities in: Prunella vulgaris L. (Lamiaceae) -- Heal-All, Self-Heal 018270
- Dr Duke's list of cystine containing plants to boost the immune system 012486
- Dr Duke's list of Plants with Candidicide activity 018389
- Dr Duke's list of plants with hemopoietic effects - 1 High activity 012484
- Elderberries and fungal infections 006762
- Eleanor C Merry - The Flaming Door - Plants and healing 013948
- Extent of Use of Aloe vera Locally Extracted Products for Management of Ailments in Communities of Kitagata Sub-county in Sheema District, Western Uganda 020986
- Fabin, a novel calcyon-like and glucanase-like protein with mitogenic, antifungal and translation-inhibitory activities from broad beans 022044
- Fighting off bugs by sweating 010331
- Figs, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial activity 012380
- Fungal infections and mental illness 006899
- Garlic and health 005408
- Gentian Violet: A 19th Century Drug Re-Emerges in the 21st Century 026150
- Heat shock, visible light or high calcium augment the cytotoxic effects of Ailanthus altissima (Swingle) leaf extracts against Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells 018312
- Histidine, histamine and its multiple healing roles 019131
- In vitro antimicrobial and modulatory activity of the natural products silymarin and silibinin 017222
- In Vitro Effects of Plantago Major Extract, Aucubin, and Baicalein on Candida Albicans Biofilm Formation, Metabolic Activity, and Cell Surface Hydrophobicity 021160
- Incidence of Candida in psoriasis--a study on the fungal flora of psoriatic patients 021024
- Isolation, purification, and characterization of a stable defensin-like antifungal peptide from Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds 019974
- Lactoferrin--a multifunctional protein with antimicrobial properties 027432
- Larvicidal effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Senna alata on Anopheles gambiae, Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti 021420
- Light therapy 006972
- Lomatium - Properties of Lomatium 017478
- Mattheolus and Fuschius on the Holy Thistle 017219
- Mechanisms involved in the chemoprotective effects of rosemary extract studied in human liver and bronchial cells 017758
- Medical paper on plants and health 006480
- Mrs Grieve on Great Burnet 020742
- Mrs Grieve on Milk Thistle 017231
- Nettles summary of health benefits 006759
- Phytochemical Profile and Evaluation of the Biological Activities of Essential Oils Derived from the Greek Aromatic Plant Species Ocimum basilicum, Mentha spicata, Pimpinella anisum and Fortunella margarita 023029
- Plants used to treat skin diseases 027515
- Probiotics and fungal infections 006898
- Propolis C Albicans, MRSA and E Coli 005340
- Rwandan medicinal plants 006993
- Sacred Lotus rhizome a summary of properties 010391
- Sauna as a means of detoxification and heart aid 010330
- Screening of some indigenous Qatari medicinal plants for antimicrobial activity 022064
- Screening of some plants used in the Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment of infectious diseases 019953
- Scrofula, TB and spa and sea water 006683
- Seaweed and plant infections 016970
- Selenium, aflatoxins and liver disease and damage 013087
- Short Communication: Studies of antimicrobial activity and chemical constituents of Ximenia americana 019175
- Single-blind study of manuka honey in allergic fungal rhinosinusitis 019899
- Stephen Harrod Buhner - Herbal Antivirals - Ginger 017501
- Stephen Harrod Buhner - Herbal Antivirals - Skullcap 017499
- Still, Andrew Taylor - The reason for disease 011211
- Sulphur, psoriasis, dermatitis and spas 006682
- Summary of Antipathogenic Activities in: Phellodendron amurense -- Amur Cork Tree, Huang Bai, Huang Po, Po Mu 018332
- Summary of Dr Duke’s analysis showing the Antipathogenic Activities in: Azadirachta indica -- Neem 018320
- Superating wounds and Peru balsam 010130
- Sweating as the first line of defence against pathogens 010333
- Tears, sweat and saliva and the fight against antigens 010332
- The additive and synergistic antimicrobial effects of select frankincense and myrrh oils--a combination from the pharaonic pharmacopoeia 012773
- The Healing Power of Sleep 026790
- The WASH programme 008352
- Thrush and anise 006259
- Turmeric and liver disease 005579
- Using your skin to fight athlete's foot 006900
- Validation of Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing Tests for Universal Pathogen Detection 026766
- Vick's Vaporub and fungal infections 006964
- Vitiligo co-morbidities 010134
- Willie G - Effects on the growth of fungus 026939
- Zinc deficiency 006866
- Zinc deficiency and disease 006871
Hallucination
- Amphotericin 006894
- Autoimmune disease hallucinations 006973
- Clinical holistic medicine: the patient with multiple diseases 017906
- Diflucan and Fluconazole 006895
- Hallucinations and dreams from fever 006954
- Hallucinations from antibiotics and zinc 005796
- Lamisil 006893
- Lhermitte, Professor Jean - Visual Hallucination of The Self – 07 2 Diseases which Can Produce the Phenomenon; Infectious diseases, and especially typhus 025273
- Monistat 019544
- Musical hallucinations from antifungal 006896
- Mycelex and Clotrimazole 019558
- Mycostatin 019562
- Prostatic and Central Nervous System Histoplasmosis in an Immunocompetent Host: Case Report and Review of the Prostatic Histoplasmosis 027569
- Sporanox 020045
- The Ergot Epidemic 006801
- The Netherlands Centre for Monitoring of Adverse Reactions to Drugs 1992 016811
- Vfend 020364
- VFEND 006897
- Voriconazole 020376
Wisdom, Inspiration, Divine love & Bliss
Out of time
- Hallucinations from antibiotics and zinc 005796
- Lhermitte, Professor Jean - Visual Hallucination of The Self – 07 2 Diseases which Can Produce the Phenomenon; Infectious diseases, and especially typhus 025273
In time
Environmental Influence
- Hack Tuke, Daniel – Sickness - Skin conditions induced by powerful emotions – Grief, fear, shock, and melancholy 026148
- Willie G - Effects on the growth of fungus 026939