Microbiology 18: Fungal Infections Flashcards
Name 3 yeasts ?
Candida
Cryptococcus
Histoplasma
Name 2 Moulds ?
Aspergillus
Dermatophytes
What does it mean if a fungi is dimorphic?
It can change between yeasts and moulds depending on environmental conditions
Which groups of people are particularly at risk of systemic candidiasis ?
Very low birth weight infants
Immunocompromised
Patients on ITU
Patients receiving TPN
How do you differentiate Candida Albicans from other Candidas ?
They form Germ tubes
What is the candida infection that affects skin folds in children called ?
Intertrigo
Which yeast infection is particularly more common in HIV +ve patients ?
Cryptococcus
Which yeast shows capsules when stained on India ink ?
Cryptococcus
Name the Cryptococcus Neoformans variant which causes meningitis in immunosupressed people especially around SE asia and Australia where there are Eucalyptus trees ?
Cryptococcus Neoformans var. gatii
Which antigen if detected in serology can suggest aspergillus infection ?
Galactomannan
Name an aggressive disease caused by a mould which is considered a surgical emergency and requires debridement ?
Mucormycosis
Characterised by cellulitis of the orbit and face which progresses with discharge and black pus from the palate and nose
A hyper pigmented lesion on the back which has a “spaghetti and meatballs” appearance on microscopy and orange fluorescence under Wood’s light.
Most likely organism ?
M.furfur
This is pityriasis versicolour
A rose gardener gets pricked by a rose thorn on his arm. This leads to small nodular lesions on the surface which start to ulcerate.
Most likely organism ?
Sporothrix schenkii (rose gardener’s disease)
This fungus causes loss of hair and scaly red lesions on the scalp.
Most likely organism ?
Tinea capatis
List 3 types of infections caused by Tinea ?
Athletes foot (Tinea pedis)
Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)
Tinea capatis
