Mycology Flashcards
How are fungi classified?
Fungi are classed into moulds or yeasts. Dimorphic fungi can exist as both mould or yeast.
Descirbe the morphology of moulds.
Mould structure is hyphae - branched filaments.
Describe how infections can be classified based on site of infection
Superficial
Cutaneous
Subcutaneous
Deep-seated
Which are the superficial fungal infections?
Pitryiasis versicolor
White piedra
Black piedra
Which are the cutaneous fungi?
Dermatophytosis (ringworm/tinea)
Mucocutaneous candidiasis
What does Malassezia furfur cause?
Pityriasis versicolor - asymptomatic, but cosmetic difficulties - pale/brown patches on skin.
What is piedra?
Superficial infeciton of hair shafts. Classed as white or black dependent on colour.
What is the common name for dermatophytosis, and what can cause it?
Known as tinea or ringworm, often presenting with a circular lesion.
Caused by trichophyton spp.
What causes a white discharge on mucous membranes
Candida albicans
What are 4 subcutaneous diseases caused by fungi?
Mycetoma
Sporotrichosis
Chromoblastmycosis
Phaeohyphomycosis
Patient presents with a ulcer that doesn’t heal at the site of foreign body trauma.
Patient also has ulcers moving up the limb.
What is this fungal infection called?
Sporotrichosis.
Characterised by infection somehwere on the periphery, followed by pus filled swellings that move up the limb (following lymphatic channels)
What is chromoblastomycosis?
Subcutaneous fungal infection characterised by raised, warty lumps on feet/limbs.
Looks like the surface of Mars/asteroid
What type of fungal infection is Zygomycosis?
Opportunistic infection that invades and destroys facial sinuses and orbits.
(Remember, photo of man with prosthetic face)
What is a commonly inhaled opportunistic fngus?
Aspergillus - causes aspergillosis.
Candida can result in severe infection in immunocompromised hosts. How?
Candidaemia - once in bloodstream, candida can settle in any organ/tissue.
High mortality.
