mycology

Mycology.

What is the study of fungi called?

Molds (filamentous growth) and Yeasts (pasty or mucoid growth).

What are the two main forms of fungal growth?

Fungi are eukaryotic, containing a nucleus, ER, and mitochondria; bacteria are prokaryotic.

How do fungi differ from bacteria?

Heterotrophic.

Are fungi autotrophic or heterotrophic?

Ergosterol.

What unique sterol is found in fungal cell membranes?

Exoenzymes.

What structure is used by fungi to digest external food before ingestion?

Asexually (most common, via spores) and sexually.

What are the two ways fungi reproduce?

Systemic, Subcutaneous, Cutaneous, Opportunistic.

What are the 4 types of mycoses?

Systemic Mycoses.

What type of mycosis affects deep tissues through inhalation of spores?

Keratinase.

What enzyme do dermatophytes secrete to degrade keratin?

Microsporum, Trichophyton, Epidermophyton.

What are the three genera involved in cutaneous mycoses?

Tinea or ringworm.

What is another name for dermatophyte infections?

Anthropophilic.

What type of dermatophyte is a human pathogen?

Sabouraud’s dextrose agar (SDA).

What medium is used to culture dermatophytes?

Microsporum spp.

Which dermatophyte fluoresces green under Wood’s lamp?

Microsporum audouinii.

Name a dermatophyte causing Tinea capitis in children.

Aspergillus fumigatus.

Which fungal genus causes brooder pneumonia in poultry?

Hair, skin scrapings, nails, exudates, CSF.

What are common samples for diagnosing fungal infections?

Amphotericin B.

What is the drug of choice for systemic fungal infections?

Cryptococcus neoformans.

What opportunistic fungus is associated with pigeon droppings?

India Ink.

What stain highlights the capsule of Cryptococcus neoformans?

Histoplasma capsulatum

What fungus causes histoplasmosis?

Histoplasmosis.

What fungal disease is associated with bird and bat droppings?

Sporothrix schenckii.

What dimorphic fungus causes sporotrichosis (“rose gardener’s disease”)?

Through skin trauma (cuts, pricks).

How does Sporothrix schenckii typically enter the body?

Polyp formation in nasal mucosa.

What is the hallmark clinical sign of Rhinosporidiosis?

Mycetomas.

What are fungal tumors commonly called?

Mycetoma.

Which fungal infection often presents with draining sinus tracts?

Coccidioides immitis.

What pathogen causes “Valley Fever” in the southwestern US?

Blastomyces dermatitidis.

What is the causative agent of North American Blastomycosis?

Gomori methenamine silver stain.

What stain is used to visualize fungal elements in tissues?

Candida albicans.

What yeast is identified with a positive germ tube test?

Avian candidiasis (Candida albicans).

What disease is characterized by oral thrush in poultry?

A: Malassezia furfur.

What superficial fungus causes tinea versicolor?

Histoplasmosis.

Which systemic fungal infection mimics tuberculosis?

Thick-walled, broad-based budding.

What is a distinguishing feature of Blastomyces yeast cells?

Respiratory tract (air sacs in birds, lungs).

What is the primary site of infection for Aspergillus fumigatus?

Detect fluorescent fungal infections, especially dermatophytes.

What is the purpose of using Wood’s lamp in mycology?

Endothrixic.

What is the term for fungi growing inside a hair shaft?

Fluconazole.

What common antifungal can treat Candida infections?

Thick-walled asexual spores formed for survival.

What are chlamydospores?

Thick polysaccharide capsule.

What major virulence factor helps Cryptococcus survive in the body?

Freezing.

What environmental condition can Candida albicans withstand?

Mycetoma.

What fungal infection is sometimes called “watering can foot”?

Fonsecaea pedrosoi.

What species causes chromoblastomycosis?

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis yeast cells.

What structural fungal feature appears like a “mariner’s wheel”?

Soil.

What is the primary reservoir for Coccidioides immitis?

Sporotrichosis.

What fungal disease is common among gardeners (“Rose Fever”)?

Inhalation of dust containing spores.

What is the main portal of entry for Coccidioides?

Aspergillus species.

What is the main cause of fungal contamination in eggs?