Coccidioidomycosis and Its Causes
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What is the primary environment where Histoplasma capsulatum is commonly found?

  • Deserts with low humidity
  • Forests with rich vegetation
  • Urban areas with heavy pollution
  • Soil with high nitrogen content, especially near bird or bat droppings (correct)
  • When culture is performed, at what temperature does Histoplasma capsulatum grow in its mold form?

  • 27 degrees Celsius (correct)
  • 30 degrees Celsius
  • 25 degrees Celsius
  • 20 degrees Celsius
  • Which of the following conditions is most commonly associated with acute pulmonary histoplasmosis?

  • Rapid heart rate with abdominal pain
  • Increased white blood cell count
  • High fever and skin rash
  • Chest pain alongside radiographic evidence of hilar or mediastinal adenopathy (correct)
  • What treatment is recommended for severe pulmonary histoplasmosis with hypoxia?

    <p>Amphotericin B followed by oral itraconazole</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What form does Histoplasma capsulatum take in tissue during infection?

    <p>Intracellular budding yeast</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group of individuals is most likely to experience severe complications from histoplasmosis?

    <p>Immunocompromised patients</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following can be a long-term sequela of histoplasmosis after initial infection?

    <p>Persistent lymphadenopathy and bronchial obstruction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which region is Histoplasma capsulatum most commonly found?

    <p>Ohio and Mississippi River valleys</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the mold form of Histoplasma capsulatum characterized by?

    <p>White or brown hyphal colonies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What risk factor is commonly associated with outbreaks of histoplasmosis?

    <p>Exposure to decaying materials or caves</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following fungi is primarily responsible for coccidioidomycosis?

    <p>Coccidioides immitis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can enhance the growth of Coccidioides immitis in nature?

    <p>Rodent droppings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Inhalation of which structures leads to infection with Coccidioides species?

    <p>Arthroconidia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which clinical manifestation is associated with secondary coccidioidomycosis?

    <p>Erythema multiforme</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common risk factor for disseminated coccidioidomycosis?

    <p>Pregnancy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method is NOT typically used for detecting coccidioidomycosis?

    <p>Radiological imaging</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When should antifungal treatment be initiated for coccidioidomycosis?

    <p>Only if symptomatic for 6+ weeks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What shape are the infectious conidia of Coccidioides species typically described as?

    <p>Barrel-shaped</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of immune response is triggered by Coccidioides species in susceptible individuals?

    <p>Adaptive response</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following groups has the highest risk of dissemination of coccidioidomycosis?

    <p>Filipino Americans</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the minimum recommended total length of treatment for secondary coccidioidomycosis?

    <p>1 year</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which species of Coccidioides is NOT found in California?

    <p>C. albicans</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical response in the lungs after inhalation of Coccidioides arthroconidia?

    <p>Conversion to spherules</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of the hyphae of Coccidioides species?

    <p>Fertile hyphae produce arthroconidia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mode of transmission for Paracoccidioidomycosis?

    <p>Inhalation or traumatic inoculation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the histological appearance of Histoplasma capsulatum?

    <p>Small, thin-walled, oval forms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What clinical manifestation is associated with Histoplasmosis duboisii?

    <p>Skin lesions that progress to abscesses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which complications can arise from untreated disseminated histoplasmosis?

    <p>Fever, lymphadenopathy, and organomegaly</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes a significant characteristic of Histoplasma duboisii in immunosuppressed individuals?

    <p>Causes fulminant disseminated infection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The microscopic examination of Paracoccidioidomycosis typically shows what characteristic morphology?

    <p>Velvety white colonies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following treatments is recommended for severe cases of Paracoccidioidomycosis?

    <p>Amphotericin B therapy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common symptom of acute respiratory distress caused by Histoplasma capsulatum?

    <p>Fever and weight loss</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential outcome of untreated infection with Histoplasma capsulatum?

    <p>Death within 2-24 months</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical clinical course of primary infections with Paracoccidioidomycosis?

    <p>Usually self-limited</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In individuals with immunosuppression, which of the following is a likely complication of disseminated histoplasmosis?

    <p>Bone marrow dissemination</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is not a common clinical manifestation of Histoplasmosis?

    <p>Bronchial asthma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Histoplasma duboisii can cause which of the following skin conditions?

    <p>Nodular or papular lesions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What laboratory method is commonly used for detecting Histoplasmosis?

    <p>Microscopic examination of scrapings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which Candida species is most commonly associated with hematogenous dissemination?

    <p>C. albicans</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary site of colonization for Candida in humans?

    <p>Gastrointestinal tract</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of lesions does Angular cheilitis present as?

    <p>Red and sore areas at the corners of the mouth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which antifungal agent is mentioned for systemic therapy against Candida infections?

    <p>Voriconazole</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of infection is most commonly associated with death in nosocomial infections?

    <p>Bloodstream infections</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which form of candidiasis presents as a non-removable, thickened white area?

    <p>Leukoplakia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What risk factor is associated with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis?

    <p>Deficiency in T-lymphocytes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can Candida's survival in different environments be explained?

    <p>Phenotypic switching</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which location is least likely to be affected by Candida due to hematogenous seeding?

    <p>Skin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of Candida infection may occur in the urinary tract?

    <p>Asymptomatic or renal abscesses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following antifungal treatments is specifically indicated for invasive Candida infections?

    <p>IV antifungal therapy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the appearance of the culture of Candida colonies?

    <p>Smoother, white, creamy, domed colonies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of Candida infection presents raw bleeding when scraped?

    <p>Pseudomembranous type</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What kind of rash is associated with localized Candida infections?

    <p>Erythematous vesiculopustular lesions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical environment where gattii occurs?

    <p>In soil enriched with pigeon droppings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the cell structure of gattii when stained?

    <p>They exhibit multiple buds/chains and a polysaccharide halo</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the outcome for immunocompetent individuals infected with gattii?

    <p>Lower mortality rate with more severe neurologic sequelae</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary cause of cerebromeningeal disease in relation to gattii?

    <p>Hematogenous and lymphatic spread from a pulmonary focus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which treatment is noted for managing gattii infections?

    <p>Repeat lumbar punctures at the end of therapy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What symptoms are associated with the CNS infection caused by gattii?

    <p>Visual disturbances and seizures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does pulmonary cryptococcosis generally manifest?

    <p>Asymptomatic to fulminant bilateral pneumonia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consequence of untreated cerebromeningeal disease caused by gattii?

    <p>Potentially fatal outcome</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What best describes the neurological impact of infection with gattii in immunocompromised patients?

    <p>Increased severity with high mortality risk</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what forms can pulmonary cryptococcosis present itself?

    <p>Nodular infiltrates ranging to diffuse disease</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of individuals are most affected by gattii infections?

    <p>Individuals with weakened immune systems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which clinical feature indicates a severe form of gattii infection?

    <p>Formation of granulomas in the CNS</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the risk associated with CNS granuloma formation due to gattii?

    <p>It results in severe neurologic sequelae</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement regarding the treatment of gattii is not true?

    <p>Immediate surgery is always required</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following represents a potential complication of pulmonary cryptococcosis?

    <p>Progression to disseminated disease</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Coccidioidomycosis

    • Caused by Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii.
    • Primarily found in soil, particularly enhanced by bat and rodent droppings.
    • Exists as mold in nature, producing arthroconidia, which become infectious conidia, typically barrel-shaped with frills at both ends.
    • Inhalation of few arthroconidia leads to primary infection manifesting as pulmonary disease or asymptomatic cases.
    • In the lungs, arthroconidia convert to spherules, which produce endospores via progressive cleavage.
    • Ruptured spherule walls release endospores, leading to new spherule formation.
    • 1% of patients may experience single or multisystem dissemination affecting skin, bones, and meninges.
    • Serology and PCR are common detection methods; culture may be used as well.
    • Primary infections are self-limited, but immunosuppressed individuals require treatment with antifungals (amphotericin B followed by azoles).
    • High-risk groups for severe illness include pregnant women, older adults, and those with cellular immunodeficiencies.

    Histoplasmosis

    • Caused by Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum and var. duboisii.
    • Transmission occurs through aerosolization of microconidia from disturbed soil, particularly with high nitrogen content and associated with bird or bat droppings.
    • Intracellular budding yeast is the pathogenic form, detectable through microscopic examination.
    • Asymptomatic infections account for 90% of cases, with acute pulmonary histoplasmosis potentially causing chest pain and radiographic evidence of hilar adenopathy.
    • Severe cases can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome or mediastinal fibrosis.
    • Endemic regions include Ohio and Mississippi river valleys, and H. duboisii primarily affects tropical areas of Africa.
    • Complications can include disseminated disease, lymphadenopathy, organomegaly, and skin ulcers.
    • Chronic histoplasmosis leads to skin lesions, osteolytic lesions, and can be fatal if untreated.
    • Treatment often involves itraconazole; severe cases may require initial therapy with amphotericin B.

    Paracoccidioidomycosis

    • Caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, transmitted via inhalation or traumatic inoculation.
    • Mold form grows slowly, forming white colonies with a velvety texture.
    • Primary infections typically self-limit but can remain dormant and reactivate later.
    • Endemic throughout Latin America, particularly prevalent in South America.
    • Diagnosis is achieved through microscopic examination, scrapings, and biopsies of ulcers.
    • Treatment generally includes itraconazole for at least six months; severe cases may need amphotericin B therapy.### Candida Infections
    • Common Species: C. albicans (most common), C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis.
    • Transmission: Exogenous spread through contaminated items like irrigation solutions, parenteral nutrition, and medical devices.
    • Morphology: Presence of pseudohyphae and true hyphae, with terminal thick-walled chlamydoconidia.
    • Clinical Manifestations: Includes thrush characterized by white, cottage cheese-like patches and possible extension to the esophagus and gastrointestinal tract.
    • Skin Infections: Involves groin, axillae, and toe webs, often presenting as pruritic rash with erythematous vesiculopustular lesions.
    • Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis: Associated with T-lymphocyte deficiency, leading to severe mucocutaneous lesions, potentially causing disfiguring granulomatous appearance.
    • Hematogenous Infections: Can lead to renal abscesses, peritonitis, and involvement of CNS, heart, and other organs.
    • Risk Factors: Immunocompromised individuals, prolonged antibiotic use, and invasive procedures increase risk of systemic infections.

    Cryptococcosis

    • Transmission: Inhalation of aerosolized spores from soil enriched with pigeon droppings.
    • Morphology: Spherical to oval yeast forms with possible budding; stained tissue shows varied sizes with a surrounding polysaccharide capsule.
    • C. gattii: Affects immunocompetent individuals, presenting lower mortality but more severe neurologic complications due to CNS granuloma formation.
    • Clinical Manifestations: Pulmonary infections can range from asymptomatic to fulminant bilateral pneumonia, with potential nodular infiltrates.
    • Cerebromeningeal Disease: Most common and fatal if untreated; CNS infection follows hematogenous spread leading to headaches, visual disturbances, and seizures.
    • Neuropathogenic Potential: Both Cryptococcus species are highly neurotropic, significantly impacting patients with compromised immune systems.
    • Treatment: Lifelong maintenance therapy with fluconazole or itraconazole, including repeat lumbar punctures for monitoring after treatment.

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