Fungal respiratory infections Flashcards
Which fungal infection is known to cause a ‘snowstorm’ pattern of calcifications on chest imaging?
“Histoplasmosis can cause a ‘snowstorm’ pattern of calcifications on chest imaging
Which fungal infection is commonly associated with AIDS patients, and what specific immune deficiency predisposes individuals to these infections?
“Cryptococcosis (Cryptococcus neoformans) and Pneumocystis pneumonia (Pneumocystis jirovecii). Both are associated with defective cell-mediated immunity
Which antifungal medication is commonly used for the treatment of both histoplasmosis and invasive aspergillosis, and what is its mechanism of action?
“Itraconazole. It inhibits the synthesis of ergosterol
Which diagnostic method is used to detect the presence of Pneumocystis jirovecii DNA in clinical samples?
“Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used to detect Pneumocystis jirovecii DNA in clinical samples.”
What is the primary function of oral corticosteroids in the management of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)?
“Oral corticosteroids in ABPA aim to reduce inflammation and suppress the allergic response to Aspergillus antigens
Which environmental factor is often associated with outbreaks of histoplasmosis?
“Environmental disruption of Histoplasma capsulatum habitats
Which specific mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus is known to be carcinogenic, and what type of cancer is it associated with?
“Aflatoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer).”
Which fungal infection is characterized by the presence of broad, non-septate hyphae?
“Mucormycosis is characterized by the presence of broad
Which antifungal medication is effective against Aspergillus infections but NOT against mucormycosis?
“Voriconazole is effective against Aspergillus infections but not against mucormycosis.”
Which diagnostic test is considered the most reliable for detecting cryptococcal meningitis, and what substance is targeted by this test?
“Detection of capsular polysaccharide antigen in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Which staining technique is used to visualize Pneumocystis jirovecii in clinical samples?
“Silver stain is commonly used to visualize Pneumocystis jirovecii in clinical samples
Which staining technique is used to visualize the capsule of Cryptococcus neoformans, and what characteristic appearance does it create?
“The India ink stain is used to visualize the capsule of Cryptococcus neoformans
Which two antifungal medications are ineffective against mucormycosis?
“Fluconazole and voriconazole are ineffective against mucormycosis.”
Which diagnostic method is used to detect the presence of Histoplasma capsulatum antigen in clinical samples?
“The Histoplasma antigen assay is used to detect Histoplasma capsulatum antigen in clinical samples
Which pulmonary fungal infection is commonly associated with exposure to bird droppings, and what is the most common clinical manifestation of this infection?
“Histoplasmosis is associated with exposure to bird droppings. The most common clinical manifestation is asymptomatic or mild pulmonary infection
Which pulmonary fungal infection is characterized by the presence of ‘tuberculochlamydospores,’ and how are these structures visualized?
“Histoplasmosis. Tuberculochlamydospores are the characteristic macroconidia of Histoplasma capsulatum
Which diagnostic test is used to detect the presence of Pneumocystis jirovecii DNA in clinical samples?
“Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used to detect Pneumocystis jirovecii DNA in clinical samples.”
Which two antifungal medications are commonly used in combination therapy for cryptococcal meningitis?
“Intravenous amphotericin B and oral fluconazole are commonly used in combination therapy for cryptococcal meningitis.”
Which group of antifungal medications targets ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane?
“Polyene antifungal medications
Which antifungal medication is used for the treatment of cryptococcosis infections that have not spread to the central nervous system?
“Fluconazole is used for treating cryptococcosis infections that haven’t spread to the CNS.”
Which fungal infection is known to mimic tuberculosis in the Philippines, and what clinical features contribute to this misdiagnosis?
“Aspergilloma. It can mimic tuberculosis due to its predilection for colonizing pre-existing lung cavities
Which fungal infection is characterized by the presence of spherules containing endospores, and how are these structures visualized?
“Coccidioidomycosis. Spherules containing endospores are characteristic of Coccidioides species and can be visualized microscopically in tissue samples or cultures.”
Which staining technique is used to visualize the capsule of Cryptococcus neoformans, and what characteristic appearance does it create?
“The India ink stain is used to visualize the capsule of Cryptococcus neoformans
Which fungal infection causes a disease known as blastomycosis, and where is it most commonly found?
“Blastomycosis
