Fungal infection

Question 1

What are the main differences between fungi and bacteria?

Answer 1

Fungi are:

• Saprophytes
• Spread via spores over long distances
• Eukaryotic
• Have a membrane bound nucleus
• Cell wall
• DNA vs RNA

Question 2

What effect do the differences between fungi and bacteria have on treatment for fungal infections?

Answer 2

Fungal infections harder to treat

Question 3

What are the 3 main types of fungal infection?

Answer 3

Allergy
Mycotoxicoses
Mycoses

Question 4

What is an example of a fungal allergy and how do they occur?

Answer 4

e.g. Asthma, rhinitis, dermatitis

Sensitisation to the spores causes allergic reaction

Question 5

What is an example of a mycotoxicosis and how do they occur?

Answer 5

e.g. Psilocybin, aflatoxin
Inhalation/ingestion of a mycotoxin (2° metabolite of mould)
Typically eating poisonous mushrooms
Can cause carcinomas (aflatoxin)

Question 6

Define superficial mycoses and give an example

Answer 6

Fungal infection of the outermost layers of skin/hair

e.g. Tinea capitis/dandruff

Question 7

What are the 3 major classes of anti-fungal drugs?

Answer 7

Classed by their target
Cell membrane - target ergosterol production
e.g. Polyene antibiotics, azole antifungals
DNA synthesis
e.g. Pyramidine analogues, used in combination therapy
Cell wall
e.g. Echinocandins

Question 8

Define deep mycoses and give an example

Answer 8

Fungal infection that occurs via GI, IV devices, catheter
Are opportunists and typically require a compromised host
e.g. Coccidioides immitis