Fungal infections

Question 1

Treatment of T. Unguium

Answer 1

Oral Terbinafine: 6 weeks to 3 months for fingernails; 3-6 months for toe nails
Oral Itraconazole
For superficial or mild nail infection: Amorolfine nail lacquer: 6 months for fingernails; 9-12 months for toenails

Question 2

What is used for limited nail infection?

Answer 2

Amorolfine nail lacquer

Question 3

What is the most common cause of fungal candida infection?

Answer 3

Candida albicans

Question 4

What is Kerion? How can it be transmitted?

Answer 4

Kerion is an abscess caused by fungal infection. Zoophilic transmission: can pass from infected animals

Question 5

Risk factors for candidiasis

Answer 5

Diabetes
Patients with peripheral vascular disease
Immune suppression mediated by steroids/HIV
Use of antibiotics

Question 6

What are the two most common subcutaneous mycoses in the UK?

Answer 6

Mycetoma and Sporotrichosis

Question 7

Can Nystatin be absorbed by the bloodstream?

Answer 7

No

Question 8

How long is the treatment for toenail infections and fingernail infections?

Answer 8

For oral Terbinafine:
6 weeks to 3 months for fingernails
3 to 6 months for toenails.

For use of Amorolfine Nail Lacquer:
6 months for fingernails
9-12 months for toenails.

Question 9

What is pityriasis versicolor? What is seen in pityriasis versicolor?

Answer 9

Mild chronic infection of the stratum corneum which results in discoloration of the skin

Question 10

Which fungi causes pityriasis versicolor?

Answer 10

Yeast - Malassezia

Question 11

What is the treatment for Pityriasis Versicolor?

Answer 11

1% selenium sulfide or Ketoconazole shampoo/cream

Question 12

How does Sporotrichosis spread?

Answer 12

Through the lymphatics

Question 13

What causes Sporotrichosis?

Answer 13

Dimorphic Fungi - Sporothrix Schenckii

Question 14

What causes Mycetoma?

Answer 14

Actinomycetes or moulds

Question 15

Name the 3 fungi that leads to systemic mycoses.

Answer 15

Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus Neoformans

Question 16

Is Aspergillus a mould or a yeast?

Answer 16

Mould

Question 17

What are the 4 important host defences against Aspergillus?

Answer 17

Lung Macrophages, T lymphocytes, Complements and Neutrophils

Question 18

What causes Mucormycosis?

Answer 18

Mucormycetes/Zygomycetes

Mucormycosis was previously known as Zygomycosis.

Question 19

Who has a higher risk of Aspergillosis - BM transplant patients or Solid Organ transplant patients?

Answer 19

BM Transplant

Question 20

Which fungi can be found in pigeon droppings?

Answer 20

Cryptococcus Neoformans

Question 21

What is PCP? What is the cause of PCP?

Answer 21

PCP - Pneumocystis Pneumonia

Caused by fungal infection, Pneumocystis Jirovecii

Question 22

What is Sporotrichosis also known as?

Answer 22

Rose Gardener’s disease