Fungi Flashcards
Identify the major virulence/toxicity factors associated with Penicillium. (1)
fungal spores have mycotoxins
Describe a typical Tinea lesion. (2)
pruritic lesion with central clearing resembling a ring.
What is the presentation of Blastomyces dermatiditis infection? (3)
gilchrist’s disease (blastomycosis)-mild infection in the lungs followed by ucerative granulomas of the skin or bone if infection becomes disseminated.
How are coccidioldomycosis and histoplasmosis transmitted?
inhalation of asexual spores
What is the morphology of C. albicans in culture at 37 degrees C?
germ tubes
What lab findings are useful to help diagnose Histoplasma capsulatum? (2)
chest x-ray shows ‘millet seed’ pattern; Hyphae visible if cultured on Sabouraud’s agar.
What lab findings are useful to help diagnose Pneumoncystis carinii? (2)
organism seen in microscopic examination of lung tissue or lavage; sputum cultures negative
What is the morphology of Aspergillus fumigatus?
mold with septate hyphae that branch at a V-shaped (45 degree) angle
What is the morphology of Rhizopus?
white ‘cotton candy’ colonies that turn brown with age
Is Cryptocuccus neoformans domorphic?
no
How is Coccidiodes immitis transmitted?
inhaled as spores
What predisposes to disease with Pneumocystis carinii?
most infections asymptomatic. Immunosupression (e.g., AIDS) predisposes to disease.
What regions are associaed with Histoplasma capsulatum? (2)
endemic to Ohio and Mississippi river valleys
How is Histoplasmosis capsulatum transmitted?
bird or bat droppings
What are the clinical manifestations of Cladosporium? (2)
allergic reactions to spores. Opportunistic lung infections possible in immunocompromised patients.
What are the clinical manifestations of Alternaria?
allergic reactions and hypersensitivity pneumonitis to spores
What disease does Pneumocystis carinii cause?
causes pneumonia (PCP)
What is ‘most common’ associated with Cladosporium?
maybe the most common source of indoor and outdoor spores.
What is the morphology of C. albicans in culture at 20 deg C?
budding yeast with pseudohyphae
Identify the major at risk population associated with Pneumoncystis carinii.
aIDS and other immunosupressed patients
Identify relevant epidemiology and risk factors associated with Candida albicans. (2)
aIDS, diabetes mellitus
What is the morphology of Stachybotris?
black slimy mold
What is the morphology of Histoplasma capsulatum?
dimorphic fungus (yeast/mold)
What are the clnical manifestations of Cryptococcus neoformans? (2)
only causes diseases in immunocompromised. Meningitis insidious presentation-occasional headache, irritability, difficult cognition, mild fever. Relapse common.
Is Aspergilius fumiatus dimorphic?
no
What are the clinical manifestations of Aspergillus? (5)
ottitis externa; fungal sinusitis; allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis; fungus ball; sepsis
What type of budding patter is seen in Cryptococcus neoformans?
narrow-based unequal budding
What are the clinical manifestations of Pullalaria?
allergic reaction to spores
What are the clinical manifestations of Tinea?(3)
ringworm-pruritic papules, broken hair, thick broken nails
Describe the morphology of Blastomyces dermatiditis as revealed by KOH prep.
kOH preparation shows round double refractive wall with single broad-based budding yeast.
What special lab test does the capsule of Cryptocuccus neoformans permit?
latex agglutination test detects polysaccharide capsular antigen