study guide questions w/ answers

How do fungi function in nature aside from causing diseases?

They decompose organic matter.

What characteristic is NOT true of fungi?

They have chlorophyll, are autotrophs, and require light for growth.

What is the main difference between yeasts and molds?

Yeasts are unicellular and reproduce asexually, while molds are multicellular and form hyphae.

What are the types of asexual reproduction in fungi?

Budding and spore formation.

What defines a dimorphic fungus?

It can exist in both yeast and filamentous mold forms depending on environmental conditions.

True or False: Drug resistance is prevalent in fungi.

False.

What are the two sources of fungi and provide an example for each?

Environment (e.g., soil fungi) and human body (e.g., Candida species).

How can commensal fungi turn pathogenic?

When the immune system is compromised.

Differentiate between superficial, subcutaneous, and systemic fungal infections.

Superficial affect the outer skin, subcutaneous penetrate deeper tissues, systemic spread throughout the body.

What is one virulence factor of fungal infections?

The ability to produce biofilms.

Match Tinea corporis with its infected location.

Ringworm.

What are the risk factors for Onychomycosis?

Older age, diabetes, sports activities, and nail trauma.

What are the two main types of Candidiasis?

Oropharyngeal (thrush) and vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Why do comorbidities worsen fungal infections?

They weaken the immune system.

How might climate change impact fungal infections?

It can alter habitats, increasing prevalence and geographic spread of fungi.

List two ways to identify a fungal infection.

Cultures of the infected area and microscopic examination of samples.

What immune responses fight off fungal infections?

Phagocytosis by macrophages, production of antibodies, and activation of T-cells.

What are the two mechanisms of antifungal drugs? Provide an example for each.

1) Disruption of cell membrane integrity (e.g., Amphotericin B). 2) Inhibition of cell wall synthesis (e.g., Caspofungin).

True or False: There are antifungal vaccines being developed.

True.

Categorize nonmotile heterotrophs.

Animal-like protists.

What caused increased incidence of Malaria 10,000 years ago?

Increased human populations near water created breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

True or False: Children under 5 account for more than 80% of Malarial deaths.

True.

Which Plasmodium parasite causes the most morbidity and mortality?

Plasmodium falciparum.

True or False: Only female Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit Plasmodium.

True.

How do specialized structures in Plasmodium aid survival?

Apical organelles allow for efficient invasion, and dense granules modify host immune response.

What infects hepatocytes in the Malarial life cycle?

Sporozoites from the mosquito.

What do merozoites do in the erythrocytes?

They release more merozoites when the schizont ruptures.

What do proteins on P. falciparum in the bloodstream do?

They help red blood cells adhere to vessel walls to avoid immune clearance.

How does Plasmodium handle the toxic heme group?

They convert it to hemozoin, which is less toxic.

When do symptoms of Malaria typically first occur?

10-15 days after infection.

What is the hallmark symptom of Uncomplicated Malaria?

Fever occurring in cycles.

List a few complications of Severe Malaria.

Cerebral malaria, anemia, acute respiratory distress syndrome.

What are the three R’s for the Malaria course of disease?

Recognize, Respond, and Recover.

What are Hypnozoites?

Dormant forms that can reactivate and cause disease relapse.

Compare artemisinin-based therapies and chloroquine for Malaria treatment.

Artemisinin is effective but can lead to resistance; chloroquine is effective for sensitive strains but has resistance issues.

What is one suggestion for Malaria prevention?

Use insecticide-treated bed nets.

Define One Health.

An approach recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

How does deforestation impact human health?

It leads to habitat loss and increased exposure to zoonotic diseases.

What are benefits of human-animal interactions?

Improved mental health and reduced stress.

Why are bats good hosts for infectious diseases?

High reproductive rates and migration habits increase contact and pathogen spread.

List two other animals that cause zoonotic events.

Rodents and birds.

How does deforestation lead to more infectious diseases?

Increases contact between wildlife and humans, facilitating zoonotic transmission.

Describe how climate change can lead to more infectious diseases.

Alters the range of disease vectors like mosquitoes, increasing human exposure.

Describe a way urbanization exacerbates infectious diseases.

Crowded conditions and poor sanitation facilitate disease spread.

How does protecting animal health impact human health?

Reduces zoonotic disease transmission, e.g., controlling rabies in dogs.

What is a neglected tropical disease?

Infectious diseases affecting impoverished populations in tropical regions.

Why do neglected tropical diseases receive little attention?

Lack of funding due to low profitability.

Why do NTDs disproportionately affect women and children?

Limited access to healthcare and education increases vulnerability.

Briefly describe the life cycle of dracunculiasis.

Ingestion of contaminated water, maturation in intestines, emergence from skin.

How did the Carter Center and WHO reduce dracunculiasis incidence?

Implemented water filtration and community education initiatives.

Why is dracunculiasis not yet eradicated?

Access to contaminated water and socio-cultural factors hinder prevention.

What are the two stages of African trypanosomiasis?

Stage 1: Hemolymphatic phase with fever; Stage 2: Neurological phase with confusion.

How is trypanosomiasis prevented?

Avoiding tsetse fly bites and habitat management.

What are the symptoms of lymphatic filariasis?

Lymphedema and hydrocele.

How is lymphatic filariasis transmitted?

By mosquito bites.

What risk factors exist for schistosomiasis?

Poor sanitation and freshwater exposure.

What is the mechanism of entry for schistosomiasis?

Skin contact with contaminated water.

How does schistosomiasis cause symptoms?

Immune response to trapped eggs in tissues causes inflammation.

Where do soil-transmitted helminths primarily infect?

The intestines.

How do helminths affect nutritional status?

They cause malnutrition and anemia by consuming nutrients.

Who is at the greatest risk from soil-transmitted helminths?

Children and pregnant women due to higher nutritional needs.