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Flashcards in Introduction to Fungi Deck (12)
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1
Q

What is fungi

A

A chemo-organotrophic eukaryote which lacks chlorophyll and forms spores

2
Q

What is the structure of fungi

A

Cell wall which contains polysaccharides (e.g. chitin or glucan) and absorbs nutrients
Membrane that contains ergosterol as major sterol

3
Q

How are fungi classified

A

Principally based on morphology

4
Q

What are the three groups that the fungal kingdom can be split into

A

Basidiomyceyes
Ascomycetes
Zygomycetes

5
Q

What are yeasts

A

Fungi that favour a unicellular habit

6
Q

Give an example of a dermatophytic fungal infection

A

Ringworm caused by tinea capitis, tinea facei, tinea barbae, tinea corporis. depending on the location on the body.

7
Q

What is dermatophytosis

A

Moulds with a predilection to degrade keratin as a nutrient source

8
Q

What host factors can contribute to the pathogenicity of fungal infections

A

Presence of a favourable micro-environment (warm, moist areas) will encourage the growth of fungi on skin and mucous membranes
Broad-spectrum antibacterial agents will reduce competition for epithelial colonization sites in the gut
Immunosuppression of all types (latrogenic e.g. steroids, chemo or disease processes e.g. AIDS, leukaemia) may create a window of opportunity for fungal invasion

9
Q

Who can chronic mucocutaneous Candida infection affect

A

In individuals with an unusual combination of endocrine and immune dysfunction

10
Q

How can fungi be detected

A

Direct detection using histopathology or high-res CT scans
Direct smear
Detection of the circulating fungal antigens
Detection of circulating antibodies to fungi
PCR for fungal DNA
Culture of fungus from normally sterile site

11
Q

How do antifungals work

A

By causing membrane or cell wall stress

12
Q

What are the problemss with antifungal treatment

A
Spectrum of activity
Static or cidal
IV vs oral
Toxicity
Cost