Zygomycetes Flashcards
What are the most common pathogens int he zygomycetes family?
Rhizopus
What is the common name for the infections caused by the zygomycetes family?
Mucormycosis.
What is the most common cause of rhino cerebral infections?
Rhizopus arrhizus
What are the distinguishing growth characteristics of Zygomycetes?
They have large diameter hyphae, and non-septate hyphae with 90 degree branching
How do zygomycetes sporulate?
Asexually in the sporangium.
What temp do zygomycetes grow well at?
Not at 37 C! This is important!
Where do zygomycetes grow in the environment?
On living and dead organic matter.
How are zygomycetes transmitted?
Inhalation of spores, traumatic implantation of spores, and ingestion of spores
What populations are at a high risk for zycomycosis?
Those that are immunocompromised: patients with uncontrolled diabetes, especially w/ ketoacidosis, neutropenic cancer puts, those that use long term steroids or long term VORICONAZOLE.
What conditions are risks for the GI form of zygomycosis?
Iron overload or extreme malnutrition.
What is the primary pathogenesis of zygomycetes?
ANGIOINVASION
What are the 5 different diseases caused by zygomycetes?
Rhinocerebral zygomycosis, pulmonary zygomycosis, disseminated zygomycosis, cutaneous zygomycosis, and GI zygomycosis
What is the most common presentation of zygomycosis?
Rhinocerebral zygomycosis.
What is the characteristic presentation of rhino cerebral zygomycosis
Involves the nose, eye, sinuses, brain, meninges.
Pt presents w/ fever, facial and/or eye pain, building of eye and progressive signs of involvement of orbital structures. black necrotic lesions in mouth.
What is a characteristic sign of rhino cerebral zygomycosis?
Black necrotic lesions on the hard palate and nasal mucosa.
