Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

PM3A > (PM3A) Fungal Infections & Anti-fungal Drugs > Flashcards

(PM3A) Fungal Infections & Anti-fungal Drugs Flashcards

(113 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

What does ‘mycoses’ refer to?

A

Fungi

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the two types of structure of fungi?

Give examples.

A

(1) Single cell - yeasts - Candida spp.

(2) Filamentous - Multicellular - mould - Aspergillus spp.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are the two types of infection that can be contracted from fungi?

A

(1) Localised - acute

(2) Systemic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is a major difference in the structure of a fungal cell, in comparison to a human (animal) cell?

A

Fungal cells have a cell wall

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the structure of a fungal cell wall, from innermost to outermost level of structure?

A

(1) Nucleus
(2) Cell membrane: ergosterol & beta1-3 glucan synthase
(3) Cell wall: beta1-6 glucans and beta1-3 glucans
(4) Mannoproteins

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are the main anti-fungal drug categories?p a a e f g

A

(1) Polyenes
(2) Azoles - imidazoles & triazoles
(3) Allylamines (+ amorolfine)
(4) Echinocandins
(5) Flucytosine
(6) Griseofulvin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

(1) Which route of administration is used for amphotericin B? Is this toxic?

(2) Which other route(s) of administration for amphotericin B would be toxic?

A

(1) Oral - not toxic

(2) IV - highly toxic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are two types of polyene?

A

(1) Amphotericin B

(2) Nystatin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

When is oral amphotericin B used?

A

Oral candida

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

When is IV amphotericin B used?

A

Life-threatening systemic infections

e.g. cryptococcal meningitis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

(1) Describe the spectrum of activity for amphotericin B.

(2) What does this mean?

A

(1) Broad

(2) Kills most fungi

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Describe the bioavailability for oral amphotericin B.

A

Poor oral bioavailability

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are/ is the administration route(s) for nystatin.

A

Local/ topical

  • Oral suspension for oral infections
  • Cream for candida of skin
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

(1) Describe the spectrum of activity for nystatin. b

(2) What does this mean?

A

(1) Broad

(2) Kills most fungi

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Can nystatin be taken orally? Give reasons for your answer.

A

No - it is topical

(1) Absorbed poorly orally
(2) Nephrotoxic
(3) Neurotoxic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Describe the mechanism of action of polyenes.
e
Give 2 examples of polyenes.

A

(1)
- Bind to ergosterol in the cell membrane
- Binding forms pores in the cell membrane
- Pores cause leakage of K+ and Mg2+
- Leakage leads to lysis (cell death)

(2) Nystatin and amphotericin B

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

(1) How many types of azole are there?

(2) What are they called?

A

(1) 2 types

(2) Imidazoles and triazoles

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Give 2 types of imidazole.

Name ONE brand for each.

A

(1) Miconazole - e.g. Daktarin

(2) Clotrimazole - e.g. Canesten

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is/ are the route(s) of administration for imidazoles?

A

Usually topical

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is a superficial mycoses?

A

Fungal infection of the upper layers of the skin

Can also include nails

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is another name for superficial mycoses?

A

Cutaneous mycoses

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

(1) Describe the spectrum of activity of imidazoles.

(2) What does this mean?
n

A

(1) Dermatophytes & candidiasis

(2) Narrow spectrum - have specific clinical indications

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is the ‘oromucosal’ route of administration?

A

Gel placed directly onto the gums and cheek

Drug is absorbed directly into bloodstream

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

(1) How many types of triazole are there?

(2) Name them.

A

(1) 4 types

(2)
- Fluconazole
- Itraconazole
- Voriconazole
- Posaconazole

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What is/ are the administration route(s) of fluconazole? What is the general indication for each?
(1) Capsule - systemic (2) Liquid - systemic (3) IV - systemic
26
What generic drug is the brand Sporanox?
Itraconazole
27
What is/ are the route(s) of administration for triazoles?
Depends on infection site Can be capsule/ oral suspension/ IV/ tablet
28
(1) Describe the spectrum of activity for triazoles.b (2) What does this mean?
(1) Broad (2) Can be used for Candida/ Cryptococcus/ Aspergillus
29
What type of drug is most appropriate for aspergillus, both generally and specifically? v
(1) Generally: Azoles - Triazoles (2) Specifically - voriconazole/ posaconazole
30
Describe the mechanism of action for azoles. 3 f
(1) Targets Cytochrome P450 (2) Thus interferes with ergosterol (cell membrane) biosynthesis (3) Disrupts plasma membrane - fungistatic
31
What does fungistatic mean?
Used to describe an anti-fungal drug which disrupts the plasma membrane of fungi
32
(1) What type of anti-fungal drug is terbinafine? (2) What is a brand of it?
(1) Allylamine (2) Lamisil
33
(1) Describe the spectrum of activity of allylamines. d (2) What does this mean in clinical practice? n r
(1) Usually dermatophytes (2) Nail infections & ringworm
34
Describe the mechanism of action of allylamines. se
(1) Inhibits squalene epoxidase (2) Inhibition of squalene epoxidase prevents production of lanosterol (3) Prevents ergosterol synthesis
35
Is an allylamine fungistatic or fungicidal?
Both
36
What is amorolfine?
A synthetic morpholine
37
Describe the spectrum of activity of amorolfine. b dy What does this mean?
Broad Mainly dermatophytes and yeast
38
Describe the mechanism of action of amorolfine. 2
(1) Inhibits 2 enzymes (2) Inhibition of enzymes means ergosterol biosynthesis is halted
39
Is amorolfine considered fungicidal or fungistatic?
Usually fungicidal
40
Give an example of an echinocandin.
Caspofungin
41
What is/ are the route(s) of administration for an echinocandin?
IV - once a day
42
(1) Describe the spectrum of activity of echinocandins.b (2) What does this mean in clinical practice?
(1) Broad (2) Used for serious systemic infections - Candida/ Aspergillus
43
For which fungal infection is an echinocandin specifically NOT indicated? Why?
For Cryptococcus Not for central nervous system
44
Describe the mechanism of action of echinocandins.
(1) Inhibits 1-3 beta-glucan synthase (2) Prevents production of 1-3 beta-glucan
45
Are echinocandins considered to be fungicidal or fungistatic?
Fungicidal
46
What is/ are the route(s) of administration for flucytosine?
(1) Oral (2) IV
47
Where are is flucytosine well absorbed, where other anti-fungal drugs are not?
Cerebrospinal fluid - CSF
48
(1) Describe the spectrum of activity of flucytosine. n (2) What does this mean in clinical practice? Include indications. sc
(1) Narrow (2) - Used in combination with other anti-fungal drugs - For severe Candida/ Cryptococcal systemic infections
49
Describe the mechanism of action of flucytosine.
(1) Metabolised into fluorouracil (5-FU) (2) Fluorouracil (5-FU) disrupts RNA/ DNA synthesis
50
Is flucytosine considered fungicidal or fungistatic?
Fungistatic
51
What is griseofulvin?
A type of benzofuran Type of anti-fungal drug
52
What is/ are the route(s) of administration of griseofulvin?
Oral Tablets or oral suspension
53
(1) Describe the spectrum of activity of griseofulvin.n (2) What does this mean in clinical practice?
(1) Narrow/ limited (2) Used for dermatophytes - e.g. Tinea capitis
54
Describe the mechanism of action of griseofulvin. pm
(1) Binds to polymerised microtubules (2) Inhibits mitosis of fungal cell (3) Inhibits fungal growth
55
Is griseofulvin considered to be fungistatic or fungicidal?
Fungistatic
56
What are the common side effects of griseofulvin?rnva
- Rash - Urticaria - Nausea - Vomiting - Anorexia
57
Which anti-fungal drug(s) act on the ergosterol in the cell membrane of the fungal cells?
(1) Polyenes (2) Allylamines (3) Azoles
58
What is candidiasis?
A fungal infection
59
Is candidiasis a common/ rare/ very rare etc. infection?
Most common fungal infection in the UK
60
What types of candidiasis infection are there? atgp
(1) C. albicans (2) C. tropicalis (3) C. glabrata (4) C. pseudotropicalis
61
What is/ are the potential cause(s) of candidiasis?
(1) Broad-spectrum antibiotics (2) Immunodeficiency
62
Are the symptoms of candidiasis normally localised or systematic?
Localised
63
Where are sites of infection for candidiasis?
(1) Skin (2) Mucosae - e.g. vaginal/ oral thrush (3) Nails - e.g. onchomycosis
64
What is onchomycosis?
Candidiasis infection of the nails
65
What are the common symptoms of candidiasis infections?
- Pain - Itching - Creamy curd-like plaques on mucosal surface - Bleeding upon removal of mucosal surface
66
What is indicated if a candidiasis if the fungal infection is systemic?
Immunocompromised patient
67
How is a candidiasis infection diagnosed?
(1) Clinical features - symptoms (2) Laboratory culture
68
What is/ are the treatment(s) for candidiasis? 2 types
(1) Azoles: - Imidazoles: clotrimazole - Canesten - topical - Triazoles: fluconazole - Canesten - oral (2) Polyenes: - Nystatin - Amphotericin B - IV for systemic candidiasis
69
What types of vulvovaginal candidiasis are there?
(1) Vulvitis (2) Vaginal/ vulvovaginal
70
What is vulvitis?
Inflammation of the vulva due to infection
71
What is the treatment for vulvitis candidiasis? ck
Topical imidazole creams - e.g. clotrimazole BD/ TDS - e.g. ketoconazole OD/ BD
72
What is the treatment for vaginal candidiasis?
Intravaginal cream/ pessary: - e.g. clotrimazole - e.g. miconazole
73
What is the treatment for vulvovaginal candidiasis in 12-15 year old girls?
Topical imidazole Oral + intravaginal options are not used
74
What is oncomycosis?
Candidiasis infection of the nail
75
What are the symptoms of oncomycosis (candidiasis infection of the nail)?
- Nail appears abnormal + discoloured
76
How is oncomycosis (candidiasis infection of the nail) diagnosed?
(1) Clinical features - symptoms (2) Confirmed with microscopy + cultures
77
What self-care is recommended for those with oncomycosis (candidiasis infection of the nail)?
(1) Good hygiene (2) Fitting footwear (3) Clipping nails (4) Avoid damp + moisture (5) Avoid nail trauma
78
What is the general treatment guidelines for oncomycosis (candidiasis infection of the nail)?
(1) Topical - amorolfine 6 months for nail *Topical - amorolfine - 9-12 months for toes* (2) Oral anti-fungal if topical is unsuccessful OR contraindicated
79
What is the first line treatment for oncomycosis (candidiasis infection of the nail)?it
- Itraconazole - 200mg - BD - 1 week duration
80
What is Candida auris?
A fungal infection Similar to C. albicans
81
What causes thrush?
Also known as candidiasis C. albicans
82
What is of particular note regarding Candida auris?
It has multi-drug resistance Only discovered in 2009
83
What causes invasive candidiasis?
C. auris Candida auris
84
What does Candida auris (C. auris) cause in infection?
Invasive candidiasis e.g. bloodstream infections
85
What is fungemia?
Fungal infection of the blood Presence of fungus in the bloodstream
86
What is dermatophytosis?
Ringworm
87
What are the species of filamentous fungi? e m t d
(1) Epidermophyton (2) Microsporum (3) Trichophyton (4) Dermatophyton
88
What are the symptoms of ringworm (dermatophyton)?
- Red scaly lesions on skin - Nail discolouration and thickening - Hair loss and scarring - Itchy - Not usually painful
89
How is ringworm (dermatophytosis) diagnosed?
Culture of: - Skin scrapings - Nail clippings - Hair samples
90
What is the treatment for head/ scalp ringworm (dermatophytosis)? g ti
Systemic griseofulvin + topical imidazole
91
What is the treatment for skin ringworm (dermatophytosis)?
Topical imidazoles - clotrimazole - miconazole - ketoconazole
92
What is the treatment for nail ringworm (dermatophytosis)?
Same as candidiasis - Itraconazole - 200mg - BD - 1 week duration Oral terbinafine if unsuccessful or contraindicated
93
What is aspergillosis?
Fungal infection of the lungs IF SEVERE: Can affect heart/ brain skin/ if immunocompromised
94
What are the symptoms for aspergillosis?
(1) Wheezing (2) Breathlessness - SOB (3) Fatigue (4) Cough (5) Malaise
95
How is aspergillosis diagnosed?
(1) Sputum culture (2) Bronchoalveolar lavage - washing of a cavity (3) Antigen detection
96
What is the treatment for aspergillosis?v
(1) 1st line: voriconazole (2) Can add bronchodilators + steroids if required (3) Surgery (4) Avoid further exposure
97
What is pityriasis versicolor?
A common fungal skin infection
98
What is/ are the cause(s) of pityriasis versicolor?
Malassezia Yeast - normally found on skin
99
What are the symptoms of pityriasis versicolor?
- Changes in colour to patches of skin - Itchy
100
How is pityriasis versicolor diagnosed?
(1) Skin scraping (2) Clinical examination
101
What is the treatment for pityriasis versicolor?
(1) Topical anti-fungal creams for 2-3 weeks (2) Oral anti-fungals only used in treatment failure
102
What is histoplasmosis?
A fungal lung infection
103
How is histoplasmosis transmitted?
Inhalation of H. capsulatum spores
104
What are the symptoms of histoplasmosis?
(1) Cough (2) Flu-like symptoms (3) Chronic infection - resembles TB
105
How is histoplasmosis diagnosed?
Lab diagnostics: - Blood antibodies - Cultures
106
What is the treatment for histoplasmosis?
(1) Oral itraconazole (2) IF SEVERE: IV amphotericin B
107
What is a cryptococcal infection?
Fungal infection Usually of the lungs
108
(1) How many types of Cryptococcal infection are there? (2) What are they and what causes them?
(1) 2 types (2) - Lung infection - Cryptococcus neoformans - AIDS - Cryptococcal meningitis
109
(1) Are Cryptococcal infections common? (2) When are they most common?
(1) No. Uncommon (2) In immunocompromised patients - low CD4 count
110
What are the symptoms of a Cryptococcal infection?
- Fever - Fatigue - Dry cough - Headache - Blurred vision - Confusion - Nausea - Chest pain - Skin rash
111
How is a Cryptococcal infection diagnosed?b c s u
Clinical tests: - Blood - Cerebrospinal fluid - Sputum - Urine screening/ culture
112
What is the treatment for Cryptococcal infections?
(1) Amphotericin B + flucytosine - IV for 2 weeks (2) Followed by oral fluconazole - 8 weeks
113
(1) How many mechanisms of anti-fungal resistance are there? (2) What are they?
(1) 4 types (2) - Altered drug metabolism - Efflux pumps - Change in protein target - Prevention of drug entry

PM3A (36 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions