Abx Dickey Flashcards
Describe molds
Multi-cellular
Reproduce by disseminating spores
Mainly cause invasive dz through inhalation
-pulmonary dz most common, but can disseminate
Describe yeasts
Single-celled
Reproduce by budding
Cause superficial or invasive infections
Describe dimorphic yeasts
Exist as either a yeast or mold, depending on pathogen, site of growth (host vs. lab), and temperature
Give examples of yeasts
Candida
Cryptococcus
Give examples of dimorphic fungi
Histoplasma
Blastomyces
Give an example of a mold
Aspergillus
Which type of fungi is classified one way but acts another?
Cryptococcus is classified as primary (pathogenic), but acts more opportunistic
List pathogenic fungi
Histoplasmosis
Blastomycosis
Cryptococcus
List opportunistic fungi
Candidiasis
Aspergillosis
(Cryptococcus acts opportunistic)
Fungi that may cause dz in both healthy and immunocompromised individuals
Primary (pathogenic) fungi
Histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, and cryptococcosis*
Fungi that generally cause dz in immunocompromised individuals
Opportunistic
Candidiasis, aspergillosis, Cryptococcus*
Types of pts who are immunocompromised:
Diabetes Lymphoreticular/hematologic malignancies Immunodeficiency dz (eg: HIV) Immunosuppressive Therapy -High dose corticosteroids -Immunosuppressants -Antineoplastic agents -Broad spectrum Abx Organ transplants
C. Albicans
50% of candida species
Most virulent
SUSCEPTIBLE to azoles
Candidiasis is usually acquired via
GI tract
May enter bloodstream via indwelling IV catheter
Risk factors for candidemia
Multiple Abx Vascular access Parenteral nutrition ICU stay > 7 days Candida colonization Renal failure Major abdominal surgery
Tx of chronic disseminated candidiasis
Fluconazole or Ampho B (for several weeks followed by transition to fluconazole)
Tx of candidiasis in neutropenic adults
Echinocandin or
Lipid formulation of Ampho B
Tx of candidiasis in nonneutropenic adults
Fluconazole or
Echinocandin
All pts with candidemia need…
An eye exam to rule out Candida endophthalmitis
Treatment duration for candida infxns
14 days after 1st negative culture and signs of clinical improvement
Empiric therapy for candida infxns should be initiated…
Within 4 days or persistent fever unresponsive to Abx; possibly sooner in pts with risk factors present
Name two species of Cryptococcus
C. neoformans
C. gattii
Where does Cryptococcus exist
In soil and pigeon droppings worldwide
How is Cryptococcus infxn acquired?
Through inhalation of the organism
What is the 2nd most common fungal pathogen
Cryptococcus
Primary Cryptococcosis in humans almost always occurs…
In the lungs