Mycology

Question 1

What are microconidia & macroconidia (& e.g. of each)?

Answer 1

• Microconidia: small single-celled spore (e.g. Penicillium sp.)
• Macroconidia: large multinuclear pores (e.g. MIcrosporum sp.)

Question 2

What are fungal spores & the types?

Answer 2

Reproductive elements of fungi (asexual/sexual)

• Sporangiospores (asexual): spores in sporangium (sac)
• Conidia or conidiospores (asexual)

Question 3

Why do culture media for the isolation of fungi & yeast often contain a chemical agent like Chloramphenicol &or gentamicin?

Answer 3

to stop bact. growth since media is high in glucose

Question 4

Who is considered immunocompromised?

Answer 4

• elderly
• young
• sick e.g. immune disorders, AIDS or chemotherapy patient

Question 5

Why are the lung a 1º site of infections for fungal disease?

Answer 5

bc high chance of inhaling fungal spores in the air/dust (infection occur to immunocompromised ppl bc immune sys. can’t remove it)

Question 6

What are the types of fungi?

Answer 6

1. Moulds: multicellular filamentous colonies (fluffy)
2. Yeasts & yeast-like fungi: single cells -> colonies
3. Dimorphic fungi: can grow like moulds (room) or yeast (colder) depending on temp.

Question 7

How would you report the presence of yeast cells in a gram stain?

Answer 7

“yeast cells” w/ frequ. (+, ++, +++)

Question 8

How do yeast cells reproduce?

Answer 8

asexually by budding

Question 9

How is the role of fungal spore different to bacterial spore?

Answer 9

Fungal spore: for fungal (a/sexual) reproduction

Bact. spore: survival of the bact. when conditions are unfavourable to live in

Question 10

List 4 general conditions fungal prefer

Answer 10

• moist
• low pH
• High [glucose]
• 20-28ºC

Question 11

Give e.g. (Genus species) in each type of fungi

Answer 11

1. Moulds: Aspergillus niger, Penicillium sp., Microsporum canis (ringworm=Tinea)
2. Yeasts: Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, C. krusei

Question 12

What is the difference between aerial hyphae and vegetative mycelium (hyphae network)?

Answer 12

• Ariel: give rise to repro. spores on surface

- Vegetative: nutrient absorbing & H2O exchange under media/tissue

Question 13

3 types of mycoses ( fungal infections)?

Answer 13

• superficial & cutaneous: tissues w/ keratin, mucous membranes
• subcutaneous: dermis, bone
• systemic: internal organs like lungs