Mycology

What is the unique feature of the cell wall of fungi that distinguishes it from other organisms?

What is the characteristic mode of reproduction of Saccharomycotina fungi?

What is the name of the agar used specifically for fungal infections?

What is the name of the common opportunistic pathogen that causes infections in humans?

What is the name of the test used to diagnose fungal infections, involving scraping a colony onto a slide and adding KOH?

What is the characteristic feature of the cell wall of fungi that is similar to that of arthropods?

What is the phylum of fungi that includes Saccharomycotina, Taphrinomycotina, and Pezizomycotina?

What is the common symptom of Candida albicans infection in the bloodstream?

What is the characteristic feature of the Taphrinomycotina subdivision of fungi?

what is candida albicans? and under what division

what type of pathogen is C. albicans

what are different infections caused by C. Albicans

what tests are used for C. albicans?

Introduction to Mycology

Mycology is the study of fungi
Mycoses is a fungal infection

Characteristics of Fungi

Belong to Kingdom Fungi and Domain Eukarya
Can be either unicellular or multicellular
Heterotrophic, requiring oxygen to survive
Stain gram-positive
Cell wall is made of chitin and has a chitin layer with glycoproteins
Unique features of the fungus cell wall include β-1,3 glucan cross overs and chitin cell wall

Ascomycota Phylum

Has three major subdivisions: Saccharomycotina, Taphrinomycotina, and Pezizomycotina
Saccharomycotina: unicellular yeast that reproduces by asexual budding, with a cell wall made of chitin
Taphrinomycotina: multicellular hyphae that reproduces by sexual spores
Pezizomycotina: multicellular hyphae that reproduces by sexual fission or asexual spores

Fungal Infections

Caused by opportunistic pathogens, such as Candida albicans
Most common infection caused by Saccharomycotina
Candida albicans can cause:
- Oral thrush: overgrowth of C. albicans on the tongue, resulting in white spots down the throat
- Vaginal thrush: overgrowth of C. albicans in the vaginal tract, resulting in thick white discharge and painful urination
- Systemic infections: symptoms include fever, chills, skin rash, low blood pressure, abdominal pain, headaches, and muscle aches

Diagnosis

Sabouraud agar is used for fungi infections only
Agar dish should be tapped up
KOH test: scrape a colony onto a slide, add a few drops of KOH, and heat to speed up reaction

Test your knowledge of fungi, including their cell wall structures, mode of nutrition, and classification into different phyla. Learn about the unique features of fungal cell walls and the characteristics of Ascomycota phylum. Get ready to explore the world of mycology!