Cutaneous Mycoses Flashcards

1
Q

What type of organism is Malassezia?

A

Lipophilic yeast.

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2
Q

What skin conditions are associated with Malassezia?

A

Pityriasis versicolor, seborrheic dermatitis, Malassezia folliculitis.

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3
Q

How does pityriasis versicolor present on the skin?

A

Hypo- or hyperpigmented macules.

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4
Q

What pattern is seen in KOH prep of Malassezia infections?

A

Spaghetti and meatball pattern.

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5
Q

What is the primary treatment for Malassezia infections?

A

Topical antifungals like selenium sulfide or ketoconazole.

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6
Q

In what cases is oral antifungal therapy for Malassezia used?

A

Extensive or resistant cases.

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7
Q

What types of tissue do dermatophytes infect?

A

Skin, hair, nails.

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8
Q

Name the three main genera of dermatophytes.

A

Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton.

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9
Q

What is the presentation of tinea corporis?

A

Circular, erythematous, scaly lesions.

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10
Q

What is tinea capitis, and its common effect?

A

Scalp infection causing hair loss.

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11
Q

What does tinea pedis commonly affect?

A

Web spaces between toes.

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12
Q

What is tinea unguium?

A

Nail infection leading to thickening and discoloration.

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13
Q

How are dermatophyte infections diagnosed microscopically?

A

KOH prep showing septate hyphae.

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14
Q

What medium is used for dermatophyte cultures?

A

Sabouraud dextrose agar.

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15
Q

When are systemic antifungals indicated for dermatophyte infections?

A

Extensive infections or nail involvement.

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16
Q

What is Sporothrix schenckii’s common nickname?

A

Rose gardener’s disease.

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17
Q

How is Sporothrix schenckii typically introduced into the skin?

A

Trauma like thorn pricks.

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18
Q

What is the clinical progression of lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis?

A

Nodule at inoculation, then secondary nodules along lymphatics.

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19
Q

How is sporotrichosis diagnosed?

A

Culture showing yeast at 35°C and mold at 25°C.

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20
Q

What is the treatment of choice for sporotrichosis?

A

Itraconazole.

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21
Q

What side effects are associated with potassium iodide for sporotrichosis?

A

Nausea and salivary gland swelling.

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22
Q

In what climates is Sporothrix most prevalent?

A

Warmer climates.

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23
Q

What zoonotic transmissions are linked to sporotrichosis?

A

Infected cats and armadillos.

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24
Q

Which fungal infection can mimic squamous cell carcinoma?

A

Fixed cutaneous sporotrichosis.

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25
What environmental conditions favor Malassezia?
Hot and humid conditions.
26
What diagnostic technique identifies branching septate hyphae?
KOH prep.
27
What systemic antifungal is used for severe dermatophyte infections?
Terbinafine or itraconazole.
28
Which fungal infection's lesions spread along lymphatics?
Sporotrichosis.
29
What diagnostic pattern is unique to pityriasis versicolor?
Spaghetti and meatballs.
30
What is the mainstay of treatment for mild tinea infections?
Topical azoles.
31
How does Malassezia degrade lipids to become pathogenic?
Produces acid that damages melanocytes.
32
Which populations are at higher risk of Malassezia infections?
Immunosuppressed individuals.
33
What is a common location for pityriasis versicolor lesions?
Chest and back.
34
How can Malassezia infections be differentiated from vitiligo?
KOH prep shows 'spaghetti and meatballs' pattern.
35
What climate conditions increase Malassezia growth?
Hot and humid environments.
36
How is Malassezia treated when topical therapies fail?
Oral antifungals, like ketoconazole or itraconazole.
37
What enzyme allows dermatophytes to invade keratinized tissues?
Keratinase.
38
How is tinea versicolor different from tinea corporis?
Tinea versicolor is caused by Malassezia; tinea corporis by dermatophytes.
39
What feature distinguishes tinea capitis from seborrheic dermatitis?
Tinea capitis often causes hair loss and scaling.
40
What is the typical duration of treatment for onychomycosis with oral terbinafine?
6–12 weeks.
41
What is the sensitivity of Wood’s lamp for Microsporum species?
Fluoresces under ultraviolet light.
42
Which dermatophyte species is the most common cause of tinea corporis?
Trichophyton rubrum.
43
How can moist environments increase dermatophyte infections?
Promote fungal growth and skin maceration.
44
What precautions can reduce the risk of tinea infections?
Keeping skin dry and avoiding direct contact with infected animals.
45
What is a diagnostic limitation of KOH prep in dermatophyte infections?
Cannot differentiate species.
46
How does systemic terbinafine work against dermatophytes?
Inhibits ergosterol synthesis, disrupting fungal membranes.
47
What populations are at higher risk of severe tinea infections?
Diabetic and immunocompromised patients.
48
What is a hallmark clinical feature of lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis?
Nodules spreading along lymphatic channels.
49
What animals are common reservoirs for Sporothrix schenckii?
Cats and armadillos.
50
What are the side effects of potassium iodide treatment for sporotrichosis?
Nausea and swelling of salivary glands.
51
Why is itraconazole preferred over potassium iodide for sporotrichosis?
Fewer side effects and better efficacy.
52
What is the role of heat application in treating sporotrichosis?
Local heat kills fungal cells and resolves lesions.
53
How can sporotrichosis mimic other conditions?
Fixed cutaneous lesions may resemble squamous cell carcinoma.
54
How is sporotrichosis transmitted from infected cats?
Through scratches or bites.
55
What are the diagnostic limitations of serologic tests for sporotrichosis?
Rarely utilized due to low specificity.
56
What is the temperature phase for Sporothrix's yeast form?
37°C (in tissues).
57
What is the significance of granulomas in Sporothrix infections?
Indicate chronic inflammatory response.
58
What systemic antifungal is effective for both tinea and Sporothrix infections?
Itraconazole.
59
What is the role of Sabouraud agar in fungal diagnostics?
Supports fungal growth for species identification.
60
Why is regular shoe hygiene important in preventing tinea pedis?
Reduces fungal exposure in moist environments.
61
What is the clinical importance of branching septate hyphae on KOH prep?
Confirms dermatophyte infection.
62
How can gardeners reduce their risk of Sporothrix infections?
Wear gloves and protective clothing.
63
Why are immunocompromised individuals prone to disseminated fungal infections?
Weakened immune response allows fungal spread.
64
What is the advantage of itraconazole over fluconazole in treating fungal infections?
Broader spectrum of activity.
65
What are common symptoms of fungal lymphangitis?
Painless nodules along lymphatic vessels.
66
What diagnostic test is used for Malassezia infections?
KOH preparation.
67
What is the typical appearance of fungal infections under KOH prep?
Yeast and hyphae.
68
How is tinea corporis commonly spread?
Direct contact with infected individuals or surfaces.
69
What is the most common symptom of tinea cruris?
Itchy, red rash in the groin area.
70
What antifungal is commonly used for tinea pedis?
Topical azoles or terbinafine.
71
What systemic antifungal is used for severe dermatophyte infections?
Itraconazole or terbinafine.
72
How can dermatophyte infections be prevented?
Avoid sharing personal items and keep skin dry.
73
What is a complication of untreated onychomycosis?
Permanent nail damage or deformity.
74
How does temperature affect Sporothrix schenckii?
Dimorphic: mold at 25°C, yeast at 37°C.
75
What is the primary habitat of Sporothrix schenckii?
Soil and plant matter.
76
What occupations are most at risk for Sporothrix infections?
Gardeners and agricultural workers.
77
What fungal species cause tinea capitis?
Trichophyton and Microsporum.
78
How is tinea capitis typically treated in children?
Oral griseofulvin or terbinafine.
79
What is the significance of 'asteroid bodies' in Sporothrix diagnosis?
Indicates Splendore-Hoeppli reaction.
80
How does Malassezia stay confined to the stratum corneum?
Cannot penetrate deeper layers of skin.
81
What environmental factor increases risk of fungal infections?
High humidity and poor ventilation.
82
What is the primary clinical feature of tinea versicolor?
Pigment changes on skin.
83
Why is potassium iodide rarely used for Sporothrix now?
Associated with high side effects.
84
How is Sporothrix infection confirmed?
Culture of pus or biopsy material.
85
What is the common name for dermatophytosis?
Ringworm.
86
What is the role of Wood's lamp in dermatophyte diagnosis?
Detects fluorescence in some species.
87
What makes terbinafine effective against fungal infections?
Inhibits ergosterol synthesis.
88
What systemic antifungal is preferred for onychomycosis?
Terbinafine.
89
Why are antifungal creams preferred for mild infections?
Localized effect with fewer side effects.
90
How can fungal infections be distinguished from eczema?
Microscopic examination or culture.
91
What is the duration of treatment for tinea pedis with topical therapy?
2–4 weeks.
92
What secondary bacterial infection may occur with tinea pedis?
Cellulitis.
93
How does griseofulvin work against dermatophytes?
Disrupts fungal mitosis.
94
What is the role of prophylactic antifungals in recurrent tinea?
Prevent recurrence in high-risk patients.
95
What are the symptoms of disseminated sporotrichosis?
Fever, widespread nodules, organ involvement.
96
What is the significance of lymphangitis in fungal infections?
Suggests lymphatic spread, seen in Sporothrix.
97
What systemic condition predisposes patients to severe fungal infections?
Diabetes.
98
Why should pets be examined for tinea infections?
They can be carriers and spread the fungus.
99
How does itraconazole differ from fluconazole?
Broader activity against dimorphic fungi.