Fungi Overview and Types

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Questions and Answers

Which symptom is associated with oropharyngeal candidiasis?

Pain or discomfort when urinating

Vaginal itching or soreness

Blurry vision

White, curd-like patches on the inner cheek (correct)

What is a common sign of vaginal candida?

Confusion

Muscle ache

Low blood pressure

Pain during intercourse (correct)

Which of the following is a symptom of invasive candidiasis affecting the eyes?

Cotton-like feeling in the mouth

Chills and fever

Vaginal itching

Blurry vision (correct)

What underlying cause can lead to vaginal candidiasis?

Overuse of antibiotics Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is indicative of oropharyngeal candidiasis?

Loss of taste Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of molds?

They have a thread-like structure known as hyphae. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about yeasts is true?

Yeasts are single-celled fungi that can produce pseudo-hyphae. Signup and view all the answers

Which fungal species is a common cause of candidiasis?

Candida albicans Signup and view all the answers

How can fungal infections be classified?

According to the location of the infection. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary nature of most fungal infections?

They are primarily opportunistic. Signup and view all the answers

What is the more commonly known name for Tinea pedis?

Athlete’s foot Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a sign or symptom of ringworm?

Nasal congestion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method of diagnosing ringworm?

Physical examination Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is recommended for ringworm on the scalp?

Prescription antifungal medication Signup and view all the answers

How can ringworm infections be transmitted?

Direct contact with an infected person's rash Signup and view all the answers

What condition is referred to as Tinea corporis?

Ringworm on the body Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an incorrect treatment for ringworm?

Using antifungal powders for scalp ringworm Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the body does Tinea barbae infect?

Beard Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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).

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Description

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!