BM329 Block E

Fungal Phyla

There are five main fungal phyla:Chytridiomycetes, Zygomycetes, Glomeromycetes, Ascomycetes (e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida albicans), and Basidiomycetes (e.g., Cryptococcus neoformans).

Candida

Candida is a common commensal yeast found on the skin, mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina, becoming pathogenic under certain circumstances.

Candida albicans

Candida albicans is a dimorphic fungus growing as both yeast and filamentous structures, causing 50-90% of candidiasis cases in humans.

Candida auris

Candida auris is an emerging fungus resistant to antifungals, causing serious global health threats.

Candidiasis

Candidiasis is a fungal infection with symptoms varying based on the infected body part, ranging from local skin infections to systemic infections affecting organs.

Candidemia

Candidemia is a bloodstream infection, common in hospitalized patients, with symptoms like fever and chills, often challenging to diagnose.

Antifungals

Antifungals target fungal cell membranes or ergosterol biosynthesis, with Nystatin binding ergosterol and Clotrimazole inhibiting its biosynthesis.

Prevention

Good personal hygiene, avoiding high sugar diets, and taking probiotics can help prevent fungal infections like candidiasis.

Healthcare Associated Infections

Infections acquired in healthcare facilities, also known as nosocomial infections, can include UTIs and other bacterial infections.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

UTIs are common bacterial infections affecting millions yearly, categorized as uncomplicated or complicated, with uropathogenic Escherichia coli being a common causative agent.

O polysaccharides

Specific antigens present in each genus, can cross-react, and are important for bacterial identification.

Capsular K antigens

Antigens present in bacteria, especially in enteric bacteria, aiding in identification and protection.

Flagellar H proteins

Proteins found in flagella of bacteria, contributing to motility and identification.

Biofilms

Microbial communities that enhance nutrient enrichment, provide protection, and facilitate communication.

Siderophores

Molecules crucial for iron sequestration, potential vaccine targets, and important for bacterial survival.

UPEC siderophores

Aerobactin and yersiniabactin, aiding in iron binding, biofilm formation, and protection against stress.

Bladder Colonisation

UPEC infection mechanism involving multiple pili, adhesion, and survival strategies in the bladder.

Kidney Colonisation

UPEC infection mechanism involving pyelonephritis-associated pili and immune evasion in the kidneys.

CAUTIs

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections mediated by Proteus mirabilis, leading to biofilm formation and complications.

UTI Antibiotic Resistance

Mechanisms of resistance in UTI-causing bacteria, including extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and carbapenemases.

Papillomaviruses

Viruses causing benign or malignant tumors, transmitted through direct contact, and infecting epithelial cells.

HPV Virion Structure

Non-enveloped icosahedral structure with major capsid proteins L1 and minor capsid proteins L2.

HPV Genome Structure

Circular dsDNA genome with early genes E1-E7/8 and late genes L1 and L2, transcribed from the same DNA strand.

HPV Proteins

E1 and E2 for replication, E5-E7 for transformation, and L1 and L2 as capsid proteins.

HPV Replication

Involves binding to receptors, endocytosis, nuclear trafficking, transcription, DNA replication, and virion assembly.

HPV-Associated Diseases

Cause benign or malignant tumors in various tissues, with different types infecting mucosa, skin, and genitals.

Cervical Cancers

HPV transmission, association with cervical cancer, risk factors, and classification based on malignancy potential.

HPV Oncogenesis

Involvement of E6 and E7 proteins in overriding cell cycle checkpoints, leading to tumorigenesis.

Diagnosis and Treatment of HPV

Methods for detecting malignant cells, HPV testing, and treatment options including vaccination and therapies.