Microbiology: Fungi

Question 1

What do we call the study of fungi?

Answer 1

Mycology

Question 2

What is included in the study of fungi?

Answer 2

Molds, mushrooms and yeasts

Question 3

What are the oxygen requirements for fungi?

Answer 3

Fungi are either:

• Aerobes (need oxygen)
• Facultative anaerobes (can do with or without but better without)

Question 4

What are fungal infections called?

Answer 4

Mycoses or tineas

Question 5

What are the 2 classifications of fungi that are known to cause disease in humans?

Answer 5

• true fungi (true pathogens)
• opportunistic fungi: do not cause disease in healthy individuals but if the chance is there they will. good bacteria keep these at bay, which is why taking antibiotics can increase chance of fungal infections

Question 6

What is Candidiasis?

Answer 6

Candida albicans - a fungal infection. Yeast like organism, part of normal flora of mouth and genitourinary tract and skin. 40-80% of people have candidiasis in their digestive tract. Yeast growing in mouth - tongue should be more pink than white

Question 7

What can Candidiasis cause?

Answer 7

Caused by the overgrowth of the normal bacterial flora present, causes a yeast infection in the mouth

Question 8

How are fungal infections treated?

Answer 8

Antifungals. Ex: amphotericin B, nystatin