Mycology Part 1 Overview

Long, thread-like structures that make up the body of a fungus. They can be aerial (above the surface) or vegetative (below the surface).

A dense mass of intertwined hyphae that forms the main body of a fungus.

Hyphae that grow above the surface of the culture media, giving a fuzzy or wooly appearance to the fungus.

Hyphae that grow below the surface of the culture media, absorbing nutrients for the fungus.

Hyphae that have a distinctive swollen or club-shaped appearance.

Hyphae that grow in a coiled or spiral shape, giving a distinctive appearance.

The ability of some fungi to exist in two different forms: a yeast form (single-celled) and a mold form (multicellular with hyphae).

A substance found in the cell walls of fungi, giving it structural support.

The asexual reproductive state of a fungus.

A chain of budding cells that resembles a hypha, but is actually made of individual cells.

When a single fungus produces more than one anamorph or when multiple anamorphs belong to the same teleomorph (sexual stage).

Sexual spores produced by the Phylum Ascomycota.

Sexual spores produced by the Phylum Basidiomycota.

Sexual spores produced by Zygomycota or Mucorales.

The multiplication of an organism without causing harm to the host.

The multiplication of an organism that causes harm and injury to the host.

Root-like structures in fungi that lack susceptibility to antibacterial antibiotics.

Single-celled fungi that form smooth, creamy colonies without aerial hyphae. They reproduce through budding or fission.

Hyphae with frequent cross walls perpendicular to their outer walls.

Hyphae with few cross walls at irregular intervals. Also called coenocytic or aseptate hyphae.

Fuzzy or woolly appearance of fungi due to the formation of mycelia. They typically grow at room temperature.

Fungi that can exist in both yeast and mold forms depending on the environment.

Non-pigmented or lightly pigmented hyphae.

Darkly pigmented hyphae.

The process of asexual reproduction in fungi, resulting in the formation of conidia.

A group of fungi that are typically associated with skin, hair, and nail infections. They are commonly known as dermatophytes.

A type of fungus that can cause a variety of infections, including skin, lung, and brain infections. Often found in soil and decaying organic matter.

A category of fungi characterized by the presence of clamp connections, which are unique structures found at the septations in the vegetative hyphae.

A group of fungi that are characterized by sparsely septate hyphae, producing sporangiophores and sporangiospores for asexual reproduction, and zygospores for sexual reproduction.

A category of fungi that lack a known mode of sexual reproduction. They are often referred to as imperfect fungi or Deuteromycota.

A common entry point for fungal infections. They are the most common portal of entry for dermatophytes.

Fungal infections frequently affect the hair, particularly in cases involving dermatophytes like Microsporum spp. and Trichophyton spp.

Fungal infections that affect the nails. They are also a common site for dermatophyte infections.

A technique used to examine specimens under a microscope by placing a small amount of sample on a glass slide and covering it with a coverslip. This allows for immediate visual inspection of the specimen without culturing.

This approach involves preserving and mounting a specimen in a medium that allows for long-term observation under a microscope. This is helpful for detailed examination of the specimen's structure and morphology.

Temporary mounts are useful for the quick examination of specimens to identify features or detect the presence of organisms.

Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is a reagent that helps dissolve keratin and other cell components, making it easier to visualize fungal elements (like hyphae and spores) in specimens.

This technique involves adding Calcofluor white dye to a KOH preparation, enabling the visualization of fungal elements under a fluorescent microscope. This is a common method for detecting fungal elements with enhanced visibility.

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a chemical used in a modified KOH procedure. It helps speed up the breakdown of cellular debris, making it easier to see fungi without needing external heat.

A type of specimen collection that involves swabbing the outer ear canal. The swab is then transported to the lab for further examination and testing.

A type of specimen collection that involves scraping the cornea of the eye. The scrapings are then inoculated onto growth media and slides prepared for staining.

A technique used to stain fungi in a sample, making them easier to see under a microscope.

A type of fungal stain that uses a combination of chemicals to kill fungi, preserve their structure, and stain the cell walls.

A type of fungal stain used to differentiate fungal scrapings from tissue.

A type of fungal stain used to identify the presence of encapsulated yeast, like Cryptococcus neoformans, in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

A type of fungal stain that causes the fungal element to appear black and the background to appear green.

A fungal stain used to detect Histoplasma capsulatum, usually in blood or bone marrow.

A type of fungal stain that uses crystal violet and ammonium oxalate to stain all fungi.

A fungal stain used to differentiate Nocardia from Actinomyces, showing the hyphae of Nocardia as either partially or fully acid-fast.