Flashcards in Fungal infection Deck (8)
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1
What are the main differences between fungi and bacteria?
Fungi are:
-Saprophytes
-Spread via spores over long distances
-Eukaryotic
-Have a membrane bound nucleus
-Cell wall
-DNA vs RNA
2
What effect do the differences between fungi and bacteria have on treatment for fungal infections?
Fungal infections harder to treat
3
What are the 3 main types of fungal infection?
Allergy
Mycotoxicoses
Mycoses
4
What is an example of a fungal allergy and how do they occur?
e.g. Asthma, rhinitis, dermatitis
Sensitisation to the spores causes allergic reaction
5
What is an example of a mycotoxicosis and how do they occur?
e.g. Psilocybin, aflatoxin
Inhalation/ingestion of a mycotoxin (2° metabolite of mould)
Typically eating poisonous mushrooms
Can cause carcinomas (aflatoxin)
6
Define superficial mycoses and give an example
Fungal infection of the outermost layers of skin/hair
e.g. Tinea capitis/dandruff
7
What are the 3 major classes of anti-fungal drugs?
Classed by their target
Cell membrane - target ergosterol production
e.g. Polyene antibiotics, azole antifungals
DNA synthesis
e.g. Pyramidine analogues, used in combination therapy
Cell wall
e.g. Echinocandins
8
