Skin Diseases: Fungal Infections Overview

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the most common cause of vaginitis?

Trichomonas vaginalis

Bacterial vaginosis

Human papillomavirus

Candida albicans (correct)

Which of the following conditions can lead to an opportunistic infection by Candida albicans?

Uncontrolled diabetes (correct)

High protein intake

High-fat diet

Dehydration

What are the characteristics of the discharge associated with trichomoniasis?

Clear and odorless

Thin and watery

Thick, yellow, and cheesy

Profuse, greenish yellow with a foul odor (correct)

Which treatment is commonly used for skin and mucosal infections caused by Candida albicans?

Topical applications of miconazole Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of vulvovaginal candidiasis?

Thick, yellow discharge Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Trichomonas vaginalis is true?

It can be part of normal flora. Signup and view all the answers

What factor might disturb the normal acidity of the vagina and promote Trichomonas vaginalis overgrowth?

Hormonal fluctuation Signup and view all the answers

How does Leishmania donovani affect the human body if left untreated?

It can lead to extensive damage to the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the female Anopheles mosquito in the transmission of malaria?

It injects the sporozoite stage of the protozoan into the human bloodstream. Signup and view all the answers

Why are individuals with sickle cell trait less susceptible to malaria?

The sickle-shaped red blood cells provide a hostile environment for the parasite. Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of Plasmodium is responsible for infecting red blood cells?

Trophozoite stage Signup and view all the answers

What specific symptoms characterize malaria episodes?

Chills and fever alternating with asymptomatic periods. Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is NOT commonly associated with coccidioidomycosis?

Weight gain Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to the spread of Coccidioides immitis infection?

Inhalation of arthroconidia Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic feature is formed by Coccidioides immitis in tissues during severe infections?

Spherules filled with spores Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary habitat for Histoplasma capsulatum to thrive?

Bird and bat droppings Signup and view all the answers

How does Histoplasma capsulatum survive and multiply in the human body?

Inside macrophages Signup and view all the answers

What would increase the likelihood of severe infection by Coccidioides immitis?

Having a compromised immune system Signup and view all the answers

In cases where Coccidioides immitis spreads systematically, how can it resemble a different disease?

It can present similarly to tuberculosis. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of birds allows them to provide nutrients for Histoplasma capsulatum without carrying the disease?

Their high body temperature inhibits the fungus. Signup and view all the answers

Which group of individuals is most likely to show prior infection with Coccidioides immitis based on the skin test?

Long-time residents of endemic regions Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential complication of a respiratory infection caused by the fungus carried by bats?

Pneumonia Signup and view all the answers

How does Pneumocystis jirovecii primarily invade the body?

Breathing in endospores Signup and view all the answers

Which population is at higher risk for severe infections caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii?

Immunocompromised individuals Signup and view all the answers

What unique reproductive feature is associated with the lifecycle of Pneumocystis jirovecii?

Sexual reproduction with cyst formation Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical entry point for Blastomyces dermatitidis in an infection?

Through wounds Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant challenge in treating infections caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii?

Lack of antifungal agents Signup and view all the answers

In which organ are significant microbial lesions found during a severe Pneumocystis infection?

Lungs Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of the fungus associated with bat feces makes it particularly concerning for cave explorers?

It can airborne spread from the feces Signup and view all the answers

What might happen if a healthy individual's immune response to Pneumocystis jirovecii is inadequate?

The infection can spread and become severe Signup and view all the answers

Why did hospitals notice an increase in lung fungal infections in the early 1980s among young people?

Increase in HIV-related immunocompromised patients Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method by which Cyclosporiasis is typically spread?

Ingestion of contaminated water or uncooked foods Signup and view all the answers

Which condition can lead to more severe symptoms of Cyclosporiasis?

Immunosuppression Signup and view all the answers

Which species primarily causes Cryptosporidiosis in humans?

Cryptosporidium parvum Signup and view all the answers

How is Cryptosporidiosis primarily transmitted?

Contaminated recreational and drinking water Signup and view all the answers

What type of diarrhea is most commonly associated with Cryptosporidiosis?

Cholera-like diarrhea Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organisms is known to cause life-threatening diarrhea in immunocompromised individuals?

Cryptosporidium spp. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major environmental source of contamination for Cryptosporidiosis?

Municipal drinking water Signup and view all the answers

What is the main vector responsible for spreading Visceral Leishmaniasis?

Sand fly Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common effect of Cyclospora infection?

Watery diarrhea Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment method is typically needed to remove oocysts from drinking water?

Filtration Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Skin Diseases

Fungi that invade keratinized tissue (epidermis) colonize hair, nails and outer layer (stratum corneal), causing dermatomycoses (fungal skin infections) also known as tinea or ringworm.
Mycoses refers to fungal cells targeting skin cells.
Fungal and protozoal organisms have complex life cycles, making them resistant to anti-fungal/protozoal drugs.
Immunocompromised individuals (like those with HIV) are more vulnerable to fungal infections.
Ringworm presents as circular lesions, commonly on the scalp.
Tinea corporis, cruris, capitis, and unguium are contagious and transmittable through unclean environments and inanimate objects (fomites).
Tinea capitis (scalp ringworm) is common in elementary school-aged children, potentially causing bald patches.
Dogs and cats can also get ringworm, which can spread to children.
Tinea cruris/jock itch affects the groin area
Tinea pedis/athlete's foot affects the feet, potentially leading to secondary bacterial infections in moist environments like shoes.
Tinea unguium/onychomycosis affects fingernails or toenails.
Antifungal drugs are used to treat these infections, but treatment may take several weeks due to the organism's complex life cycle.

Opportunistic Fungal Infections

Candida albicans is a part of normal flora in the mouth and vagina.
Antibiotics can disrupt normal flora, allowing Candida to overgrow and cause candidiasis, which can have no competition.
Fungal overgrowth in mucosal tissue due to antibiotic use can lead to candidiasis.
Changes in mucosal pH can also lead to candidiasis.
Candidiasis can cause thrush (oral cavity overgrowth), vaginitis, and infection of other tissues.
Candidiasis is one of the most common nosocomial (hospital-acquired) fungal infections.
Candida auris is a concerning emerging fungal infection, which is difficult to grow in normal media and is resistant to many common antifungal drugs.
Candida auris is highly resistant to antifungal drugs, and can cause serious bloodstream infections in hospitalized patients.

Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a common vaginal infection caused by Candida albicans.
It can occur in individuals with uncontrolled diabetes, hormonal changes, or long-term antibiotic therapy.
The condition is characterized by itching, a thick, yellow discharge, and a yeasty odor.
Candida albicans infects mucous membranes of the mouth, intestinal tract, and genitourinary tract.
Treatment typically involves topical antifungal drugs like miconazole or clotrimazole.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz delves into skin diseases caused by fungi, focusing on conditions such as ringworm and tinea. It discusses the various types, transmission, and the increased vulnerability of immunocompromised individuals. Understand the symptoms and risks associated with these prevalent infections.