Skin Diseases: Fungal Infections Overview

A fungal infection affecting the vagina and vulva caused by Candida albicans, characterized by itching, thick cheesy discharge, and possibly a yeasty odor.

An opportunistic infection that can occur due to factors like uncontrolled diabetes, pH changes, hormone fluctuations, and long-term antibiotic use.

A sexually transmitted infection caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis, often asymptomatic but can cause a greenish-yellow, foul-smelling discharge, irritation, and itching.

An anaerobic protozoan found in the vagina and male urethra, often a harmless inhabitant but can overgrow and cause trichomoniasis due to changes in vaginal acidity.

A type of Trichomonas found in the intestinal tract, often a harmless inhabitant.

A type of Trichomonas found in the intestinal tract, often a harmless inhabitant.

A common bacterial infection often co-occurring with trichomoniasis.

A fungal infection caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii that primarily affects the lungs. It's often found in healthy individuals with minimal symptoms, but can cause severe complications in people with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS.

A fungal infection caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis. It usually enters the body through wounds or inhalation of spores from soil, often causing skin infections or lung infections.

A fungal infection that is commonly associated with bat droppings and can cause respiratory problems, including pneumonia. It can spread to other organs causing severe complications, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.

A severe illness often associated with immunosuppression, such as in individuals with HIV/AIDS. This fungal infection can have a high fatality rate if untreated.

The fungal pathogen can spread from the lungs to other organs through the bloodstream and lymph, causing lesions in various body parts.

A type of fungal infection that is common in the Southwest USA, often referred to as Valley Fever or San Joaquin fever. It is caused by the organism Coccidioides immitis and is typically spread through the inhalation of fungal spores found in the soil.

A type of fungal cell that is part of the mating cycle of Coccidioides immitis. They are inhaled and usually cause mild flu-like symptoms or no symptoms at all.

The stage of Coccidioides immitis in the soil, where it forms filaments that reproduce by the formation of arthroconidia.

A thick-walled structure that forms in tissues during a Coccidioides immitis infection. It is filled with spores and can be used for diagnosis.

A fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum. It is common in the central and eastern US and often resembles tuberculosis.

A type of fungal cell produced by Histoplasma capsulatum. It is the form that is inhaled and infects humans.

The stage of Histoplasma capsulatum that forms inside macrophages. It is a yeast-like form that can multiply and spread through the body.

A type of immune cell that can engulf and contain Histoplasma capsulatum but can also contribute to the spread of the infection through the body.

Droppings from birds and bats provide nutrients, particularly a source of nitrogen, for the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. They are a common source of infection.

A parasitic protozoan that causes Leishmaniasis, a disease spread through the bite of sandflies. It can survive and multiply within macrophages, which then circulate it throughout the body.

A disease caused by the protozoan Leishmania donovani, spread through the bite of sandflies. It can cause severe damage to the liver, spleen, and kidneys if left untreated, leading to death.

A parasitic protozoan that causes malaria, a disease spread through the bite of infected mosquitos. It infects red blood cells (RBCs) and causes periodic fevers and chills.

A disease caused by the protozoan Plasmodium vivax, spread through the bite of infected mosquitos. It causes periodic fevers, chills, and other symptoms.

A stage in the life cycle of Plasmodium vivax where the protozoan is found in the saliva of infected mosquitoes. It is injected into the bloodstream when the mosquito bites a human.

A protozoan infection causing intestinal disease, often spread through contaminated food like berries or uncooked meals.

A protozoan parasite causing diarrhea, usually transmitted through contaminated water sources.

The infective stage of the protozoan Cryptosporidium, responsible for spreading the infection through ingestion.

A life-threatening diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium infection, particularly severe in immunocompromised individuals like those with AIDS.

Water filtration is essential because it removes Cryptosporidium oocysts, ensuring safer drinking water.

A parasitic disease spread through the bite of infected sand flies, commonly found in tropical countries.

The infective stage of Cyclospora, ingested through contaminated food and water.

A parasitic infection characterized by watery diarrhea that can last for weeks, especially debilitating for people with compromised immune systems.

A type of Leishmaniasis characterized by involvement of internal organs like the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.

The life cycle of Cryptosporidium involves the release of sporozoites that invade intestinal cells, ultimately leading to the shedding of oocysts in feces.