Candidiasis & Yeasts

Flashcards covering the key vocabulary and concepts related to Candidiasis and Yeasts.

Candidiasis

An infection caused by Candida species, affecting skin, mucosal surfaces, and systemic circulation.

Yeasts

Unicellular fungi that reproduce by budding

Blastoconidia

Budding yeast cells

Pseudohyphae

Elongated yeast buds with constrictions, a distinguishing feature in Candida species.

Germ tubes

non-sepatate outgrowth with no constriction to ID Candida albicans

Chlamydospores

Thick-walled survival spores associated with Candida albicans.

Arthroconidia

Rectangular chains of spores formed by hyphal fragmentation found in Geotrichum.

Candida albicans

The most common species causing candidiasis, part of normal flora in the mouth, GI tract, and vagina.

Thrush

Oral infection caused by Candida albicans.

Germ Tube Test

ID Candida albicans via positive germ tube formation.

Creamy colonies

Morphological characteristic of Candida albicans colonies.

Candida tropicalis

Second most common Candida species, associated with blood infections in neonates.

Candida parapsilosis

Candida species associated with IV lines and hospital infections.

Candida kefyr

A species with a 'logs in a stream' appearance and elongated blastoconidia in chains

Candida krusei

elongated matchstick appearance not cross matched

Candida glabrata

Candida species that does not produce pseudohyphae and only has budding yeast cells.

Candida auris

An emerging drug-resistant yeast causing hospital outbreaks, particularly in immunocompromised patients.

Cryptococcus neoformans

Encapsulated yeast commonly found in bird droppings, causing CNS infections.

India Ink Test

detects capsule of Cryptococcus neoformans.

Urease positive

Key ID feature of Cryptococcus neoformans

Pneumocystis jirovecii (PCP)

A fungus causing pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals.

GMS stain

A staining method used to identify Pneumocystis jirovecii.

Soap bubble clusters

soap bubble appearance in lung tissue by pneumocystis

Geotrichum candidum (not a true yeast)

An environmental contaminant yeast known for 'hockey stick' morphology.

Rhodotorula

environmental yeast that is opportunistic

Salmon-colored colony

Color associated with Rhodotorula colonies.

Cornmeal Agar

used to evaluate yeast morphology like pseudohyphae

Wet Prep

Rapid test to detect yeast cells

Sugar fermentation

biochemical yeast ID test

MALDI-TOF

Rapid molecular ID method for fungi

Cutaneous candidiasis

Skin infection caused by Candida species.

Mucosal candidiasis

Candidiasis affecting mucosal surfaces such as thrush or vaginal infections.

Systemic candidiasis

Candidiasis that affects the bloodstream, also known as candidemia.

Immunocompromised

Individuals with a weakened immune system, at higher risk for candidiasis.

AIDS patients

Individuals with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, particularly vulnerable to opportunistic infections.

Neonates

Newborn infants, a high-risk group for yeast infections.

Normal flora

Microorganisms that typically reside in the body without causing disease.

Infection context

The condition under which a normal flora organism can cause disease.

Opportunistic pathogens

Pathogens that cause disease primarily in immunocompromised hosts.

Budding

The method by which yeasts reproduce.

Creamy appearance

Descriptor for many yeast colonies, indicating moisture.

Survival spores

Spores that help certain fungi survive harsh conditions.

Rectangular chains

A characteristic arrangement of arthroconidia in some yeasts.

Elongated blastoconidia

A growth form of certain Candida species, particularly Candida kefyr.

Cross-match appearance

Morphological feature of Candida krusei.

Candida glabrata

Has No pseudohyphae which differentiating it from other Candida species.

High-risk infections

Infections that are more likely to occur in individuals with specific vulnerabilities.

Clinical significance

The importance of identifying and understanding yeast infections in medical contexts.

Medical equipment spread

How Candida auris is transmitted, often via contaminated healthcare surfaces

Thick-walled spores

A feature of chlamydospores in Candida species, aiding in survival.

Smooth colonies

A description of the morphologic presentation of yeast in culture.

CNS infections

Central nervous system infections, often caused by encapsulated yeasts.

Transmission via inhalation

Method of infection for yeasts like Cryptococcus neoformans.

False positives

Germ tube test false positive if read after 3 hours

Healthcare-associated infections

Infections acquired during medical care, often involving opportunistic pathogens.

Environmental yeast

Yeasts that are typically found in the environment rather than causing disease.

Fluorescent stain

A staining method used for identifying yeasts such as Pneumocystis jirovecii.

Tissue samples

Specimens collected for diagnostic testing of yeast infections.

Routine culture

Standard procedures for growing microorganisms, which Pneumocystis jirovecii does not undergo.

Morphological evaluation

Assessment of the shape and structure of yeast under a microscope.

Yeast categorization

Classifying yeasts based on their characteristics and pathogenic potential.

Candidemia

Presence of Candida species in the bloodstream.

Budding yeast cells

Individual cells that arise from parent cells as they reproduce.

Clinical labs

Facilities where diagnoses related to infections are conducted.

Moist environments

Habitats where contaminants like Rhodotorula thrive.

Symptoms of candidiasis

Clinical manifestations that can include lesions and infections in affected areas.

Prevention strategies

Measures taken to avoid infection by yeast species, especially in high-risk groups.

Diagnostic criteria

Standards used to identify the presence of specific yeasts in clinical samples.

Pathogenic potential

The ability of an organism to cause disease.

Infection risk assessment

Evaluating factors that make individuals more susceptible to yeast infections.