Fungi Overview and Types

Fungi Overview

• Fungi are common in the environment, and people encounter fungal spores daily.
• Fungal infections are often opportunistic.
• Fungi are categorized by their life cycles, fruiting body structures, and spore types.
• Common types include molds, yeasts, and mushrooms.

Molds

• Molds have a thread-like structure called hyphae
• A network of hyphae is called a mycelium.
• Molds reproduce through spores.
• They thrive in warm and moist environments.
• Examples include mold on bread.

Yeasts

• Yeasts are single-celled fungi.
• They reproduce through budding and can sometimes form pseudo-hyphae.
• Yeasts cannot produce spores.
• They can thrive in a diverse range of environments.
• Examples include yeast used in baking.

Fungal Infections: Ringworm

• Ringworm is a common fungal infection affecting various parts of the body.
• It is caused by Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton.
• It is classified by location:
  • Groin/inner thighs/butt (Tinea cruris)
  • Torso/arms/legs (Tinea corporis)
  • Feet (Tinea pedis)
  • Scalp (Tinea capitis)
  • Hands (Tinea manuum)
  • Beard (Tinea barbae)
  • Fingernails/toenails (Tinea unguium)

Ringworm: Signs and Symptoms

• Itchy skin
• Ring-shaped rash
• Red, scaly, cracked skin
• Hair loss in affected areas
• Peeling between toes/fingers or blisters on soles/palms
• Discolored, thickened, or peeling nails; soft, dry, and powdery nail surfaces

Ringworm: Transmission

• Direct contact with the rash of an infected person.
• Indirect contact through contaminated items (fomites).
• Transferring infection from affected areas by scratching uninfected areas.

Ringworm: Diagnosis

• Physical examination
• Potassium hydroxide (KOH) stain
• Fungal culture
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test

Ringworm: Treatment

• Over-the-counter antifungal creams or powders (2-4 weeks).
• Prescription antifungal medications (1-3 months for scalp).

Fungal Infections: Candidiasis

• Candidiasis is an opportunistic fungal infection caused by Candida species.
• Candida normally resides on the skin and inside the body (mouth, gut, vagina).

Candidiasis: Classifications

• Vaginal Candida (Yeast infection)
• Oropharyngeal candidiasis
• Candida esophagitis (throat)
• Invasive candidiasis

Candidiasis: Signs and Symptoms

• Oropharyngeal/esophageal: White, curd-like patches in the mouth and throat, cracking or redness in corners of mouth, pain when chewing or swallowing, cotton-like feeling in the mouth, redness or soreness, loss of taste.
• Vaginal: White, curd-like discharge, itching or soreness, pain during intercourse, pain/discomfort when urinating, redness, swelling/cracks around vaginal wall
• Invasive: Stomach pain, chills, fever, low blood pressure, muscle aches, skin rash, fatigue, blurry vision, sensitivity to light, confusion, headache, memory loss.

Candidiasis: Causes

• Vaginal: Imbalance in normal vaginal flora, use of contraceptive devices(IUD, sponge, diaphragms), weakened immune system, diabetes.
• Oropharyngeal/esophageal: Antibiotics, dentures, smoking/dry mouth, diabetes, steroid medication.
• Invasive: Medical devices (carrying Candida from skin to blood), medical devices infected by healthcare worker's hands.
• Other/General: Oral intercourse with infected partner, breastfeeding.

Candidiasis: Diagnosis

• Physical examination
• Microscopic examination of vaginal discharge
• Fungal culture
• Endoscopy (for esophageal candidiasis)

Candidiasis: Treatment

• Antifungal medication taken orally or applied directly to affected areas.
• Antifungal medicine taken through an IV (Invasive cases).

This quiz provides an overview of fungi, including their life cycles and categories such as molds and yeasts. You'll learn about their structures, reproduction methods, and common fungal infections like ringworm. Test your knowledge of this fascinating kingdom!