Yeast and Fungi characteristics Flashcards
Normal Flora of skin, mucous membrane, and gastrointestinal tract, Dimorphic fungi which produce yeast and hyphae
Candida albicans
Candida chromagar green
C. albicans
Candida chromagar blue
C. tropicalis
Candida chromagar white (fungemia in neonatal ICU)
C. parapsilosis
Candida chromagar pink/purple
C. glabrata
Risk factors for Candida albicans
Pregnancy, Newborn, HIV, Diabetes, Malnutrition, Prolonged use of antibiotics, Chemotherapy
Disease caused by C. albicans
Thrush, Moniliasis, Oroesophageal candidiasis, Intertriginous candidiasis, Paronychia, Respiratory infections, Eye infection, Endocarditis, Meningitis
Germ tube test
0.05mL serum + yeast (35-37˚C for 1-3 hrs) (POSITIVE - no constriction/tube-like projections)
Chlamydospore formation confirmatory test
Cornmeal agar (Room temperature for 2-3 days)
Produces chlamydospore, blastoconidia, pseudohyphae and true hyphae
Candida albicans
Transmitted through pigeon droppings via inhalation by humans
Cryptococcus neoformans
Virulence factor of Cryptococcus neoformans
Capsule (anti-phagocytic), Phenoloxidase (melanin production)
Disease caused by Cryptococcus neoformans
Meningitis and Torulosis (opportunistic)
Screening test for C. neoformans
India ink of CSF (yeast with halo +), Inositol, Urease, Nitrate assimilation, Phenol oxidase, Birdseed agar + Latex agglutination (w/ CSF)
Detects CAD (cryptococcal antigen)
Latex agglutination test
Bright salmon pink color
Rhodotorula spp