Fungi

Dermatomycoses (Ringworm / Tinea)

Fungal infections of skin hair or nails
disease name based on location such as Tinea capitis pedis cruris unguinum and corporis
caused by genera Microsporum Epidermophyton and Trichophyton
transmitted by contact and thrive in warm moist environments

Dermatophyte identification

Growth on blood agar shows fuzzy mold colonies
microscopic observation reveals hyphae and characteristic spores

Coccidioidomycosis (Coccidioides immitis)

Known as Valley fever found in dry alkaline soils
infection occurs when arthrospores are inhaled
causes lung infection ranging from asymptomatic to severe cold like symptoms
in susceptible individuals infection can disseminate and become debilitating or fatal
treated with amphotericin B

Coccidioides identification

Produces arthrospores which appear as barrel shaped segments
tissue phase shows spherules containing internal endospores

Candidiasis (Candida albicans)

Part of the normal human microbiome
overgrowth occurs when body conditions change such as hormonal shifts antibiotic use steroid treatment or chronic illness
causes vaginitis or thrush in the mouth and throat

Candida identification

Yeast cells show budding forming blastospores
pseudohyphae may be visible
thick white patches present in thrush

Aspergillosis (Aspergillus spp.)

Common environmental mold inhaled daily
causes systemic disease in immunocompromised individuals
symptoms include coughing blood fever chills headaches chest pain and shortness of breath
can be fatal if untreated
treated with antifungal drugs

Aspergillus identification

Conidia arranged in chains around a vesicle at the tip of a conidiophore
seen clearly under 40x microscope

Penicillium (non pathogenic)

Common mold known for discovery of first antibiotic
non infectious to humans in this context

Penicillium identification

Conidia arranged in brush like clusters at ends of branched hyphae
viewed under 40x microscope