(LE4) Fungal Pathogens Flashcards
What is thermal dimorphism?
Virulence factor: Mold in the environment, yeast in host
Mold: -hyphae give it advantage
- easy transmission to new host
- genetic diversity
Yeast: genes for immune evasion, intracellular survival and dissemination
What are the different classifications for fungal sexual reproduction?
zygomycetes: mostly molds
ascomycetes: yeasts and molds
basidiomycetes: mostly fleshy fungi (mushrooms)
Deuteromycetes (fungi imperfecti): no known sexual reproduction
What causes tinea infections?
Dermatophytes: fungus that can invade keratinized tissue
Dermatomycoses: fungal infections of keratinized tissue (fungal skin infections)
causes cutaneous or subcutaneous infections
What disease is shown here? What causes this disease? Describe the mode of transmission, signs/symptoms, prevention and treatment, and interesting facts
Disease: Tinea Pedis (Athlete’s foot)
Pathogen: Tinea
MOT: Fomite transmission (warm, moist feet)
Tx: OTC topical cream
What disease is shown here? What causes this disease? Describe the mode of transmission, signs/symptoms, prevention and treatment, and interesting facts
Disease: Tinea Corporis (Ringworm of the body)
Pathogen: Tinea
MOT: Physical contact (host to host or fomites)
S/S: Red ring-like rash
Tx: Topical Cream
ETC: common in wrestlers, enters hair follicles
What disease is shown here? What causes this disease? Describe the mode of transmission, signs/symptoms, prevention and treatment, and interesting facts
Disease: Tinea Unguium (Ringworm under the nail)
Pathogen: Tinea
MOT: physical contact
Tx: Lamisil (oral)
What disease is shown here? What causes this disease? Describe the mode of transmission, signs/symptoms, prevention and treatment, and interesting facts
Disease: Tinea Capitis
Pathogen: Tinea
MOT: Direct contact, fomites
S/S: hair loss, Woods light (UV light glow)
Tx: Lamisil (oral)
ETC: common in children (hat sharing)
What disease is shown here? What causes this disease? Describe the mode of transmission, signs/symptoms, prevention and treatment, and interesting facts
Disease: Candidiasis (yeast infection)
Pathogen: Candida albicans (normal flora)
Tx: Topical antifungal, Amphotericin B for serious systemic candidiasis
ETC: - Opportunistic infection
- Other forms: Thrush, digestive, systemic
What disease is shown here? What causes this disease? Describe the mode of transmission, signs/symptoms, prevention and treatment, and interesting facts
Disease: Cryptococcus meningitis
Pathogen: Cryptococcus neoformans (dimorphic)
MOT: Respiratory (found in pigeon droppings. spores aerosolized and inhaled)
S/S: Subclinical in most. Stiff neck, headache, neurological Sx, coma, death
Tx: Amphotericin B
ETC: can travel to CNS (very rare) -> meningitis, 30% fatality rate. Diagnostic requires spinal tap.
What disease is shown here? What causes this disease? Describe the mode of transmission, signs/symptoms, prevention and treatment, and interesting facts
Disease: Histoplasmosis
Pathogen: Histoplasma capsulatum (dimorphic)
MOT: Respiratory (found in chickens. Spores aerosolized from droppings)
S/S: TB-like symptoms (chest pain, bloody sputum, dyspnea)
Tx: Amphotericin B
ETC: Endemic to south-east US
What disease is shown here? What causes this disease? Describe the mode of transmission, signs/symptoms, prevention and treatment, and interesting facts
Disease: Coccidioidomycosis (“valley fever,” “earthquake fever”)
Pathogen: Coccidioides immitis
MOT: Respiratory (spores in soil aerosolized)
S/S: TB-like symptoms (chest pain, bloody sputum, dyspnea)
Tx: Amphotericin B
ETC: prevalent in dry hot soils like areas in south-west US
What disease is shown here? What causes this disease? Describe the mode of transmission, signs/symptoms, prevention and treatment, and interesting facts
Disease: Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP)
Pathogen: Pneumocystis carinii
MOT: Respiratory (airborne)
S/S: TB-like symptoms (chest pain, bloody sputum, dyspnea)
Tx: Sulfa drugs (antibacterial antimetabolite)
ETC: opportunistic infection following HIV/AIDS, COPD
