Introduction to Fungi

Question 1

What are the three classifications of fungi?

Answer 1

1. Basidiomycetes
2. Ascomycetes
3. Zygomycetes

Question 2

Describe the structure of a zygomycete

Answer 2

rough-walled zygote containing one or more zygospores

Question 3

describe the structure of ascomycetes

Answer 3

a sac called an ascus containing ascospores

Question 4

describe systemic fungal infections

Answer 4

an overgrowth of fungi in the body

Question 5

who can be affected by systemic fungal infections

Answer 5

immunocompromised

Question 6

describe dermatophytic fungal infections

Answer 6

occur on the skin of an organism

Question 7

who can be affected by dermatophytic fungal infections

Answer 7

anybody

Question 8

why do fungi have polysaccharides in their cell walls?

Answer 8

for protection

Question 9

what is a key factor of the fungal cell membrane that differentiates them from human cell membranes

Answer 9

ergosterol

Question 10

are fungi gram positive or gram negative?

Answer 10

gram positive

Question 11

what colour would fungi be on a gram stain

Answer 11

purple

Question 12

what form is food stored in fungi?

Answer 12

lipids and glycogen

Question 13

host factors that can promote fungal growth

Answer 13

• favourable micro-environment
• antibiotics (reduce competition)
• immunosuppression

Question 14

diagnostic methods for fungal infection

Answer 14

• direct detection
• detection circulating fungal antigens
• PCR
• culture of fungus from a normally sterile site

Question 15

Main anti-fungal drug groups

Answer 15

1. triazoles
2. echinocandins
3. polyenes

Question 16

triazoles

Answer 16

target sterols (ergosterol)

Question 17

echinocandins

Answer 17

target cell wall

Question 18

polyenes

Answer 18

target cell membrane

Question 19

problems associated with anti-fungal drugs

Answer 19

• cost
• toxicity
• If IV treatment patient can’t go home