Candida Infection Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is a characteristic appearance of squamous cells observed in vaginal candidiasis?

Columnar squamous cells

Flat squamous cells

Round squamous cells

Skewered squamous cells (correct)

What type of cells are formed by elongated budding in Candida infections?

Spherical cells

Pseudohyphae (correct)

Filamentous cells

Yeast cells

What is the primary purpose of a Pap smear?

To diagnose bacterial infections

To screen for cervical cancer (correct)

To test for HPV

To evaluate hormonal levels

What can a Pap smear also detect besides cervical cancer?

Fungal infections Signup and view all the answers

Which type of immune cells provide natural protection against Candida infections?

Neutrophils and macrophages Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of Candida enhances its resistance to antifungal treatments?

Capacity to grow in biofilms Signup and view all the answers

What appearance is described for the yeast cells in Candida infections?

Chain of budding yeast Signup and view all the answers

What do the phase-specific genes in Candida enable it to do?

Adapt to environmental changes Signup and view all the answers

The specific appearance of pseudohyphae in microscopy is often described as what?

Shish kebab appearance Signup and view all the answers

What is a key microscopic finding associated with candida infections?

Matted fungal pseudohyphae Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common pattern associated with invasive candidiasis?

Liver cirrhosis Signup and view all the answers

In which patient population might invasive candidiasis provoke minimal inflammation?

Immunocompromised individuals Signup and view all the answers

What form can candida take in tissue samples?

Yeast-like forms, pseudohyphae, and true hyphae Signup and view all the answers

Which special stain is typically used to visualize candida in tissue samples?

Silver stain Signup and view all the answers

What condition was the patient in the case scenario experiencing alongside invasive candidiasis?

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom was the patient complaining about in the case scenario?

Worsening headache Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes an effect of invasive candidiasis in the brain?

Causing microabscesses and meningitis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an incorrect association with candida?

It solely causes skin infections. Signup and view all the answers

What type of examination is typically used to identify candida during diagnosis?

Routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining Signup and view all the answers

What is the infective stage of Schistosomiasis?

Cercaria Signup and view all the answers

What describes the ability of S.stercoralis to produce eggs asexually?

Parthenogenesis Signup and view all the answers

What diagnostic lab exam is used for detecting Babesiosis?

Blood smear Signup and view all the answers

Which organism is known for causing blackwater fever?

F.palciparum Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a vector for Chagas disease?

Kissing bug Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of gametocytes associated with malaria?

Banana-shaped Signup and view all the answers

What symptom did the 44-year-old veterinarian present that led to her diagnosis of meningitis?

Headache and neurologic symptoms Signup and view all the answers

Which finding is associated with cryptococcosis in the meningitis case presented?

Presence of microcysts within the meninges Signup and view all the answers

Which of these fungi can undergo phenotypic switching to evade host defenses?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which fungus is known for alternative transmission through ingestion?

Mucor spp. Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells did the biologist likely grow on dextrose agar at 37°C?

Spherical to ellipsoidal cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of these findings is NOT typically associated with cryptococcosis?

Punctate hemorrhages Signup and view all the answers

Which fungus is most commonly associated with pulmonary infections?

Aspergillus spp. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of fungi that can undergo phenotypic switching?

Adaptation to environmental changes Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fungal organism primarily consists of filamentous structures?

Molds Signup and view all the answers

Which fungi is NOT commonly involved in causing CNS infections?

Candida spp. Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon is exhibited by Aspergillus, indicated by radiating eosinophilic material at the edges of fungal masses?

Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon Signup and view all the answers

What type of organisms usually cause no harm in immunocompetent individuals but can cause mucormycosis in immunosuppressed individuals?

Mucoromycotina Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features is characteristic of Mucormycetes?

Non-septate hyphae with frequent right angle branching Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical pathological effect when Aspergillus invades tissues?

Areas of hemorrhage and infarction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following species is NOT a type of Mucormycetes?

Aspergillus spp. Signup and view all the answers

What is the width range of the hyphae formed by Mucor spp.?

6-50 micrometers Signup and view all the answers

What happens to conidial heads when Aspergillus is exposed to air?

They form rarely Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic feature do Mucor hyphae exhibit?

Frequent near right angle branching Signup and view all the answers

In which individuals is Mucoromycotina generally harmful?

Immunosuppressed individuals Signup and view all the answers

What type of tissue reaction is usually associated with Aspergillus infection?

Necrotizing inflammatory tissue reactions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Candida

Vaginal Candidiasis often presents with skewered squamous cells
Cellular elements:
- Skewered squamous cells by pseudohyphae
- Pseudohyphae formed by elongated budding, a few budding yeasts are also found
Pseudohyphae: Most important clue in the diagnosis of candidiasis
Candida can appear as yeast-like forms, pseudohyphae, and sometimes true hyphae
Routine Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stains are commonly used for visualization
Special stains can also be used
Splendore-Hoeppli Phenomenon
- Radiating eosinophilic materials at the edges of the fungal masses
Candida can grow in biofilms

Invasive Candidiasis

Can be caused by blood-borne dissemination to tissues and organs
Common locations:
- Renal abscesses
- Myocardial abscesses and endocarditis
- Brain microabscesses and meningitis
- Hepatic abscesses
Inflammation depends on the patient's immunity
Can cause: Suppurative granulomas

Aspergillus

Conidial heads form when exposed to air
Commonly invades blood vessels and surrounding tissues, which can cause:
- Hemorrhage
- Infarction

Mucormycosis

Caused by Mucoromycotina
Ubiquitous in nature
Usually harmless to immunocompetent individuals
Can cause mucormycosis in immunocompromised individuals
Mucormycetes form broad, non-septate hyphae with frequent near right angle branching
Hyphae are: 6-50 micrometers
Three primary sites of invasion:
- Rhinocerebral mucormycosis
Opportunistic infection caused by:
- Mucor spp.
- Rhizopus spp.
- Cunninghamella spp.

Cryptococcosis

Presence of microcysts within the meninges supports the diagnosis

Phenotypic Switching

Candida spp. can undergo phenotypic switching to evade host defenses

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Description

This quiz explores the characteristics and diagnosis of Candida infections, focusing on both vaginal candidiasis and invasive candidiasis. Key details include the cellular morphology, common assessment techniques, and locations affected by invasive forms. Test your understanding of the clinical aspects and the importance of pseudohyphae in diagnosis.