Fungal/Protozoal diseases

What are dermatophytes?

Fungi that invade keratinized tissue, leading to dermatomycoses.

What is ringworm?

A contagious fungal infection caused by Tinea species, including T. corporis, T. cruris, T. capitis, and T. unguium.

What is Candidiasis?

An infection caused by Candida albicans, part of normal flora, leading to thrush, vaginitis, and is the most common nosocomial fungal infection.

What is Candida auris?

An emerging fungal infection that is highly resistant to antifungal drugs and can cause serious infections in hospitalized patients.

What causes Vulvovaginal Candidiasis?

Most cases are caused by Candida albicans, often occurring with uncontrolled diabetes, pH changes, hormone changes, or long-term antibiotic therapy.

What is Trichomoniasis?

A sexually transmitted infection caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis, often asymptomatic in males.

What is Coccidioidomycosis?

An infection caused by Coccidioides immitis, commonly known as Valley Fever, resulting from inhalation of spores.

What is Histoplasmosis?

An infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, which can survive and multiply in macrophages, often leading to mild respiratory symptoms.

What is Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP)?

An infection caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii, primarily affecting individuals with compromised immunity, such as those with AIDS.

What is Blastomycosis?

An infection caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis, entering through wounds or inhalation, leading to systemic disease.

What is Giardiasis?

An intestinal disease caused by Giardia duodenalis, leading to severe diarrhea and dehydration.

What is Amebiasis?

An infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica, which can invade the intestinal mucosa and cause peritonitis.

What is Cyclosporiasis?

An intestinal disease caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis, leading to watery diarrhea.

What is Cryptosporidiosis?

An infection caused by Cryptosporidium species, leading to life-threatening diarrhea in immunocompromised individuals.

What is Visceral Leishmaniasis?

A disease spread by sand fly bites, caused by Leishmania donovani, which can cause extensive organ damage.

What is Malaria?

An infection caused by Plasmodium species, transmitted by mosquito bites, leading to red blood cell infection.

What is Chagas' Disease?

An infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitted by the reduviid bug, leading to chronic organ damage.

What is Toxoplasmosis?

An infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, often found in cat feces, which can cause mild symptoms and congenital defects.

What is Cryptococcosis?

An infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, commonly leading to meningitis in immunocompromised individuals.

What is Trypanosomiasis?

Also known as African Sleeping Sickness, caused by Trypanosoma species, transmitted by tsetse fly bites.

What is the role of the immune system in fungal infections?

Individuals with compromised immunity are at higher risk for severe fungal infections.

What is the significance of the Mosquirix vaccine?

A vaccine for malaria that provides limited protection for children.

What are the challenges in developing a vaccine for Trypanosomiasis?

The organism changes its membrane proteins to evade the immune system.

What is the primary mode of transmission for Trichomoniasis?

Sexual transmission.

What is the common treatment for dermatophyte infections?

Antifungal drugs, though treatment may take several weeks.

What can cause secondary bacterial infections in Tinea pedis?

The presence of foot fungus.

How can Cryptosporidium species affect immunodeficient individuals?

They can cause life-threatening diarrhea.

What is the common environmental source for Coccidioides immitis?

Soil in the Southwest USA.

What are the symptoms of Pneumocystis pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals?

It can lead to severe respiratory complications and has a high fatality rate if untreated.