Medical Mycology Quiz: Candida and Cryptococcus

Fungi that typically don't cause disease in healthy individuals but can infect those with weakened immune systems.

A common yeast species that is part of the normal flora in the mouth, gut, and vagina. Causes infections like thrush, vaginitis, and bloodstream infections.

A white, creamy coating on the tongue or inner cheeks, often caused by Candida albicans.

A yeast infection of the vagina often caused by Candida albicans.

Candida infection in the esophagus, causing pain and difficulty swallowing.

An infection caused by Candida in the bloodstream. Can be serious and life-threatening.

Candida infection affecting the heart's inner lining, often occurring in individuals who inject drugs.

Inflammation of the inner lining of the eye, potentially caused by Candida.

Condition characterized by white patches in the mouth, caused by Candida albicans overgrowth. It forms a pseudomembrane on the tongue.

Inflammation of the vagina with itching and discharge. Candida albicans overgrowth is a common cause, favored by high pH, diabetes, and antibiotic use.

Red, weeping skin lesions caused by Candida albicans invading warm, moist areas.

Infection in infants caused by Candida albicans overgrowth in the diaper area. Occurs when wet diapers are left unchanged for a long time.

A serious condition where Candida albicans spreads to multiple organs. It is common in people with weakened immune systems.

Prolonged Candida infection affecting the skin, mouth, genital area, and nails. Occurs in individuals with weakened T-cell immunity.

Candida infection that can occur after organ transplantation, due to immunosuppressive drugs.

Infection of the esophagus, often accompanied by involvement of the stomach and small intestine. Common in patients with leukemia and lymphoma.

A laboratory test that quickly identifies several Candida species within blood cultures, using magnetic resonance technology to detect yeast DNA.

A type of Candida infection that affects the esophagus, causing pain and difficulty swallowing.

Round, thick-walled fungal cells formed by some Candida species, like C. albicans.

The ability of an individual to mount a cellular immune response against an antigen, often tested using a Candida skin test.

A fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, often affecting the brain and causing meningitis.

The most common life-threatening invasive fungal infection worldwide. Especially important in AIDS patients.

A large, oval yeast with a wide polysaccharide capsule, responsible for causing cryptococcosis.

Another species of Cryptococcus, less prevalent than C. neoformans, but more likely to cause infection in immunocompetent individuals.

A distinctive feature of Cryptococcus in spinal fluid, visible under a microscope when mixed with India ink.

A fungal infection caused by various Aspergillus species, especially Aspergillus fumigatus, presenting as skin, eye, ear, and lung infections.

A type of growth observed in Aspergillus, featuring V-shaped branching with parallel walls.

Spore formation in Aspergillus, resulting in chains of conidia.

A common type of Aspergillus infection, particularly in the lungs, characterized by a ball of fungus.

A spherical mass of Aspergillus fungus that grows inside lung cavities, often seen on chest X-rays.

A hypersensitivity reaction to Aspergillus in the lungs, characterized by asthma-like symptoms and high IgE levels.

A serious fungal infection caused by Mucor, Rhizopus, and Absidia molds, commonly found in the environment. It often affects individuals with weakened immune systems.

A fungal infection that invades tissues, primarily in individuals with weakened immune systems. It is caused by Aspergillus fumigatus and spreads through airborne spores.

A common type of fungal sinusitis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus.

A type of fungus that grows as septate, branching hyphae in tissue, contributing to invasive fungal infections. This includes Aspergillus fumigatus.

A type of fungal spore released from Aspergillus fungi, often found in the air and contributing to the spread of infection.

A fungal infection caused by molds in the genus Mucor, Rhizopus, or Absidia. These molds can invade blood vessels, leading to tissue death and serious complications.

A serious complication of mucormycosis where the fungus invades the sinuses and blood vessels supplying the brain.

The most common cause of mucormycosis, representing about 60% of cases. Its non-septate hyphae with broad, irregular walls and right-angle branching are distinctive features.

A fungal infection primarily affecting the lungs, caused by the organism Pneumocystis jiroveci (previously called P. carinii) .

A yeast-like fungus that can cause lung infection, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Classified as a yeast, but shows characteristics of a protozoan.

A fungal infection caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii. The fungus lives on plants and can infect humans through wounds.

The mold form of the Sporothrix schenckii fungus, which is found in the environment, particularly on plants.

The yeast form of the Sporothrix schenckii fungus, which is found in human tissue and causes infection.