Fungi Causing Opportunisfic Mycoses

Question 1

General

Answer 1

Candida Albicans

Cryptococcus neoformans

Aspergillus fumigatus

Mucor & Rhizopus species

Question 2

Mucor & Rhizopus species

Answer 2

• found in soil
• characteristics: molds (non-septate hyphae)
• opportunistic pathogens (mainly in ketoacidotic diabetic and leukaemic patients)

Disease: mucormycosis

Diagnosis: Sabouraud’s agar —> forms mycelium
Serologic test not available

Treatment: amphotericin B and surgical debrjdement

Prevention: no vaccine

Question 3

Aspergillus fumigans

Answer 3

• found in soil
• transmission: inhalation of airborne spores (conidia)
• mold (with septate hyphae)
• opportunistic pathogen

Diseases:
invasive aspergillosis (major)
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
Aspergilloma (fungus ball)

Diagnosis: Sabouraud’s agar —> mycelium
Serologic tests:
Aspergillosis patient —> IgG precipitins
Allergic patient —> IgE antibodies

Treatment:
Aspergillosis —> Amphotericin B
Fungal balls —> surgical removal
Allergic patient —> steroid therapy

No vaccine