Fungi Pt. 2 Systemic Mycoses caused by opportunistic Fungi

Systemic Mycoses caused by opportunistic Fungi

typically don’t affect healthy humans only those immunocompromised

5 genera encountered: Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Pneumosystis, Mucor

Asperigillosis

Caused by Aspergillus genus, common pulmonary disease

Asperigillosis transmission

inhalation of spores

Aspergillosis treatment 

allergy medication for hypersensitivity reactions, amphotericin B

Hypersensitivity Aspergillosis

asthma and other allergic symptoms 

Noninvasive Aspergillosis

masses of fungal hyphae form in cavities after pulmonary TB

Acute invasive pulmonary Aspergillosis

starts as mild pneumonia can cause respiratory impairment and necrosis of lung tissue

Non-pulmonary disease

cutaneous and systemic Aspergillosis

Candidiasis 

opportunistic infections, common member of microbiota of skin and mucous membrane 

1 of few fungi transmitted between individuals, all cases from opportunistic 

Candidiasis complications 

thrush, diaper rash, vaginitis, ocular candidiasis 

Cryptoccosis 

causative agent is cryptococcus neorformans, predilection for CNS, west coast U.S.

Cryptoccosis transmission

inhalation of spores in bird droppings. Buddying yeast phagocytized

Cryptoccosis complications and diseases:

Primary pulmonary cryptococcus

Cryptococcal meningitis

Cutaneous cryptococci 

Primary pulmonary cryptococcus

asymptomatic, mild pneumonia, resulting in chronic pneumonia

Invasive cryptococcosis 

Cryptococal meningitis

common clinical form of cryptococcal infection, may form solid fungal masses

Cryptoccosis treatment 

combination of amphotericin B and 5-flurocytosine 

Pneumocystits carnii (p.jiroveci)

normally present in respiratory microbiota in individuals worldwide

Pneumocystits carnii (p.jiroveci) complication

common opportunistic fungal infection in AIDS patients can cause pneumonia.

presence of disease: diagnostics for AIDS

Extensive colonization in lungs of AIDS patients

Untreated can cause death

Pneumocystits carnii (p.jiroveci) treatment 

organism similar to protozoa → antiprotozoan drugs 

Zygomycosis (murcor)

environmental exposure and worldwide distribution

Zygomycosis (murcor) susceptible population

diabetics, drug users, cancer pateints

Zygomycosis (murcor) primary infection

in face and head area

Zygomycosis (murcor) secondary infections

rhinocerebral zygomycosis

pulmonary zygomycosis

Gastrointestinal zygomycosis 

Cutaneous zygomycosis 

rhinocerebral zygomycosis

infection of the paranasal sinuses can invade the brain

pulmonary zygomycosis

follows deep inhalation of spores in bronchioles and alveoli of lungs

Gastrointenstinal zygomycosis

produces ulcers in intestinal tract following ingestion of the fungus

Cutaneous zygomycosis

results from introduction of fungus through skin after trauma

Zygomycosis (murcor) treatment 

amphotericin B