Fungal pathogens Flashcards
What are the four characteristics of fungi?
Eukaryotic
Cell wall is made of chitin, glucans, or mannans
Ergosterol in the cytoplasmic membrane
Heterotrophic metabolism (Saprophytic and parasitic)
What are the three major types of fungal cell wall?
Can be made of:
Chitin
Glucans
Mannans
It is major sterol component of fungal cytoplasmic membrane which can be targeted for therapeutic purposes and leads to the lysis of the fungal cells.
Ergosterol
Fungi have heterotrophic metabolism, what are the two types of fungal lifestyle (modes of nutrition)?
Saprophytic - obtains nutrients by decomposing dead organic matter
Parasitic
What are the two types of fungal cell morphology?
Hyphae - many fungal cells aggregating to form the organism
Yeast - single-celled fungi
This refers to a mat or aggregate of hyphae.
Myceliun
Two types of hyphae
Coenocytic
Septate
In this type of hyphae, the cells compartmentalized by septum.
Septate
In this type of hyphae, the cytoplasm and organelles are continuous throughout the entire hyphal structure, without cellular compartments created by septa.
Coenocytic
These are fungi capable in switching to/from yeast and hyphal form during their life cycle.
Dimorphic (Pleomorphic) fungi
T/F. Coccidioides immitis has both yeast and hyphal forms (dimorphic).
True.
T/F. Coccidioides immitis is dispersible in the hyphal form.
False. Coccidioides immitis needs to fragment in order to be dispersed and is dispersible only in the yeast form.
This is a type of hyphae characterized by pronounced constrictions at each septum.
Pseudohyphae
What are the three types of fungal spores?
Conidia
Blastoconidia
Arthroconidia
This type of spores represent asexual spores, and are formed off of a hyphae.
Conidia
This form of spores buds on yeasts.
Blastoconidia r. germ tube
This form of spores are asexual spores formed by segmentation of hyphae
Arthroconidia
What are the stains used in the microscopic examination of fungus?
KOH wet mount
Silver
India ink
Culturing fungi is done on what medium?
Sabouraud Dextrose Agar with antibiotics
What are the diagnostic procedures in detecting fungal pathogens?
Microscopy (KOH, silver, and India ink staining)
Culture on SDA
PCR
Serology
What are the virulence factors associated with fungal pathogens?
Morphological transformation
Genetic switching of metabolic processes in response to the host environment
Cell wall component that resist phagocytosis
Production of surface adhesins
Formation of biofilms
Secretion of enzymes that attack host substrates
This term refers to diseases caused by fungi.
Mycoses
What are the general presentation of mycoses?
Cutaneous and superficial mycoses
Subcutaneous
Deep
Opportunistic
T/F. Malassezia furfur generally produces cutaneous mycosis.
True.
T/F. Malassezia furfur is part of the normal skin microflora.
True.
T/F. Malassezia furfur is lipophilic.
True.
What is the mildest presentation of M. furfur?
Dandruff
This condition caused by M. furfur is characterized by white, reddish, or pink spots that varies on severity based on skin color and exposure to sunlight.
Pityriasis versicolor
-hyperpigmented lesions for lighter skin
-hypopigmented lesions for darker skin
This organism causes Pityriasis versicolor characterized by white, reddish, or pink spots that varies on severity based on skin color and exposure to sunlight.
Malassezia furfur
What are the three presentation of Malassezia furfur infection?
Dandruff
Pityriasis
Folliculitis
What method is used for the diagnosis of Malassezia furfur?
KOH staining