Week 2: Fungal Growth and Morphogenesis II - 3 - human fungal interactions Flashcards
What are examples of serious human pathogens?
Aspergillus fumigatus
-inhaled spores, lung infection, often fatal in immuno-compromised patients
Cryptococcus neoformans
-meningitis, often fatal
Candida albicans
-Thrush, skin and vaginal infections
-blood-borne infection can be fatal
Histoplasma capsulatum
- Histoplasmosis
What is the problem with anti-biotics? (candida)
What makes candida such a strong pathogen?
It can be taken up by macrophage and actually burst out and ultimately killing the pathogen
What are diseases caused by aspergillus called?
aspergillosis
What is the principle aspergillosis causing bacteria?
A.fumigatus (>90%)
What animals does the aspergillus species effect?
Affects animals as well, particularly birds (chickens reared under crowded conditions)
Apart from animals, what else can aspergillus contaminate?
hay, manoure…
What can A. fumigatus cause?
Common and widespread, can contaminate hay (farmers lung)
Conidia sufficiently small (2-4 μm) to pass to terminal bronchi or alveoli of man
What is the shape of the A. fumigatus?
spore like
Where do the A. fumigatus penetrate?
various parts of the respiratory tract
fungi which are as small as 3um can penetrate the alveoli of the lungs
What can happen after the A. fumigatus penetrate the lungs?
the main sites after the lung infection is the…
brain
GI tract (40-50%)
heart
kidney
liver/spleen
skin
What is the spectrum of disease caused by the A. fumigatus?
more mild
1. Allergic
Aspergillosis
2. Aspergilloma
(fungus ball)
3. Invasive
Pulmonary
Aspergillosis
4. Chronic
narcotising
Aspergillosis
5. Disseminated
Aspergillosis
