(LE4) Fungal Pathogens Flashcards

1
Q

What is thermal dimorphism?

A

Virulence factor: Mold in the environment, yeast in host

Mold: -hyphae give it advantage
- easy transmission to new host
- genetic diversity

Yeast: genes for immune evasion, intracellular survival and dissemination

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the different classifications for fungal sexual reproduction?

A

zygomycetes: mostly molds

ascomycetes: yeasts and molds

basidiomycetes: mostly fleshy fungi (mushrooms)

Deuteromycetes (fungi imperfecti): no known sexual reproduction

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What causes tinea infections?

A

Dermatophytes: fungus that can invade keratinized tissue

Dermatomycoses: fungal infections of keratinized tissue (fungal skin infections)

causes cutaneous or subcutaneous infections

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What disease is shown here? What causes this disease? Describe the mode of transmission, signs/symptoms, prevention and treatment, and interesting facts

A

Disease: Tinea Pedis (Athlete’s foot)

Pathogen: Tinea

MOT: Fomite transmission (warm, moist feet)

Tx: OTC topical cream

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What disease is shown here? What causes this disease? Describe the mode of transmission, signs/symptoms, prevention and treatment, and interesting facts

A

Disease: Tinea Corporis (Ringworm of the body)

Pathogen: Tinea

MOT: Physical contact (host to host or fomites)

S/S: Red ring-like rash

Tx: Topical Cream

ETC: common in wrestlers, enters hair follicles

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What disease is shown here? What causes this disease? Describe the mode of transmission, signs/symptoms, prevention and treatment, and interesting facts

A

Disease: Tinea Unguium (Ringworm under the nail)

Pathogen: Tinea

MOT: physical contact

Tx: Lamisil (oral)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What disease is shown here? What causes this disease? Describe the mode of transmission, signs/symptoms, prevention and treatment, and interesting facts

A

Disease: Tinea Capitis

Pathogen: Tinea

MOT: Direct contact, fomites

S/S: hair loss, Woods light (UV light glow)

Tx: Lamisil (oral)

ETC: common in children (hat sharing)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What disease is shown here? What causes this disease? Describe the mode of transmission, signs/symptoms, prevention and treatment, and interesting facts

A

Disease: Candidiasis (yeast infection)

Pathogen: Candida albicans (normal flora)

Tx: Topical antifungal, Amphotericin B for serious systemic candidiasis

ETC: - Opportunistic infection
- Other forms: Thrush, digestive, systemic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What disease is shown here? What causes this disease? Describe the mode of transmission, signs/symptoms, prevention and treatment, and interesting facts

A

Disease: Cryptococcus meningitis

Pathogen: Cryptococcus neoformans (dimorphic)

MOT: Respiratory (found in pigeon droppings. spores aerosolized and inhaled)

S/S: Subclinical in most. Stiff neck, headache, neurological Sx, coma, death

Tx: Amphotericin B

ETC: can travel to CNS (very rare) -> meningitis, 30% fatality rate. Diagnostic requires spinal tap.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What disease is shown here? What causes this disease? Describe the mode of transmission, signs/symptoms, prevention and treatment, and interesting facts

A

Disease: Histoplasmosis

Pathogen: Histoplasma capsulatum (dimorphic)

MOT: Respiratory (found in chickens. Spores aerosolized from droppings)

S/S: TB-like symptoms (chest pain, bloody sputum, dyspnea)

Tx: Amphotericin B

ETC: Endemic to south-east US

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What disease is shown here? What causes this disease? Describe the mode of transmission, signs/symptoms, prevention and treatment, and interesting facts

A

Disease: Coccidioidomycosis (“valley fever,” “earthquake fever”)

Pathogen: Coccidioides immitis

MOT: Respiratory (spores in soil aerosolized)

S/S: TB-like symptoms (chest pain, bloody sputum, dyspnea)

Tx: Amphotericin B

ETC: prevalent in dry hot soils like areas in south-west US

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What disease is shown here? What causes this disease? Describe the mode of transmission, signs/symptoms, prevention and treatment, and interesting facts

A

Disease: Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP)

Pathogen: Pneumocystis carinii

MOT: Respiratory (airborne)

S/S: TB-like symptoms (chest pain, bloody sputum, dyspnea)

Tx: Sulfa drugs (antibacterial antimetabolite)

ETC: opportunistic infection following HIV/AIDS, COPD

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly