Fungal Skin Infections

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Questions and Answers

What characteristic distinguishes dermatophytes from Candida albicans in terms of tissue invasion?

  • Dermatophytes primarily target vascularized tissues, while _Candida albicans_ targets non-vascularized tissues.
  • Dermatophytes remain superficial in the stratum corneum, while _Candida albicans_ causes systemic infections.
  • Dermatophytes invade deep subcutaneous tissues, while _Candida albicans_ remains superficial.
  • Dermatophytes invade keratinized tissues, while _Candida albicans_ invades mucous membranes. (correct)

Which factor is most likely to predispose an individual to candidiasis rather than a tinea infection?

  • Direct contact with contaminated surfaces.
  • Inoculation of fungal spores in deep tissues.
  • A compromised immune system or antibiotic use. (correct)
  • Exposure to warm, moist environments.

A patient presents with a ring-shaped, scaly rash on their arm. Which type of fungal infection is the most likely cause?

  • Tinea cruris
  • Candidiasis
  • Systemic mycosis
  • Tinea corporis (correct)

Which clinical presentations are commonly associated with candidiasis?

<p>White plaques in the mouth, inflammation, and satellite pustules. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the ability of Candida albicans to switch from a harmless state to a disease-causing state?

<p>Commensal to pathogenic switch (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these conditions is commonly caused by dermatophytes?

<p>Tinea pedis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In tinea infections, what anatomical structure or substance do dermatophytes primarily utilize for nutrition?

<p>Keratin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are tinea infections typically transmitted?

<p>Via direct contact with infected people or surfaces (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which list of locations is most associated with candidiasis infections?

<p>Mouth, vagina, diaper area, skin folds (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the best description of tinea unguium (onychomycosis)?

<p>Fungal infection of the nails. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic best differentiates the lesions of intertrigo caused by candidiasis from those caused by dermatophytes?

<p>The presence of satellite lesions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a risk factor specifically associated with the development of candidiasis but not typically with tinea infections?

<p>Use of broad-spectrum antibiotics (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient presents with red, itchy rash in the inner thighs and groin area. Which condition is most likely?

<p>Tinea cruris (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which Candida albicans invades skin barriers?

<p>Secretion of keratolytic enzymes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the pathophysiological difference between how dermatophytes and Candida albicans colonize human tissue?

<p>Dermatophytes invade keratinized tissues and remain primarily superficial, whereas <em>Candida albicans</em> can colonize mucous membranes and become invasive in immunocompromised individuals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

You observe markedly elevated levels of IgE antibodies specific to Candida albicans alongside recurrent white plaques in the oral cavity. What underlying condition is most likely contributing to this presentation?

<p>Hyper-IgE syndrome (Job's syndrome) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient presents with chronic tinea pedis that is unresponsive to typical antifungal treatments. Further investigation reveals a mutation affecting the production of squalene epoxidase. How does this mutation contribute to antifungal resistance?

<p>It alters the structure of ergosterol, diminishing the binding affinity of azole antifungals. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient presents with suspected tinea capitis but the fungal culture returns negative. Microscopic examination of hair samples shows endothrix spores. What is the significance of this finding?

<p>The diagnosis of tinea capitis is still likely, as endothrix spores indicate the fungus is growing <em>within</em> the hair shaft, making it difficult to culture. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

While examining a patient with suspected Candida intertrigo, you notice a small, intensely pruritic, erythematous lesion slightly distal to the main rash. Microscopic examination reveals pseudohyphae and blastospores. What is the correct term for this lesion, and what does its presence indicate?

<p>Satellite lesion; this is highly characteristic of cutaneous candidiasis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is studying the epidemiology of dermatophyte infections in different populations. Which environmental condition is MOST likely to correlate with a higher prevalence of tinea infections?

<p>Tropical regions with high humidity and temperature (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Tinea Infections

Fungi (dermatophytes) that feed on keratin (skin, hair, nails).

Candida albicans

Yeast-like fungus; switches from harmless to harmful in moist/immunocompromised settings.

Stratum Corneum

Most superficial layer of the epidermis.

Tinea Transmission

Direct or indirect contact (contaminated surfaces).

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Common Tinea Locations

Areas like feet, scalp, nails and groin.

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Tinea Corporis Appearance

Itchy, ring-like rash.

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Key Identifier of Tinea

Red border, clearing in the center.

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Tinea Capitis Presentation

Patches, alopecia, broken hairs.

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Tinea Corporis Presentation

Red, scaly borders.

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Tinea Pedis Presentation

Cracked, peeling skin; itchy between toes.

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Tinea Cruris Presentation

Itchy rash.

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Tinea Unguium Appearance

Thickened, discolored nails.

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Oral Candidiasis

White plaques on tongue/cheeks.

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Intertrigo Candidiasis

Moist red rash with satellite lesions.

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Diaper Rash (Candidiasis)

Red irritated skin.

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Candidiasis symptoms

Symptoms include redness and itch.

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Study Notes

Tinea Infections vs. Candidiasis

  • Tinea infections are caused by dermatophytes (keratin-loving fungi), while candidiasis is caused by Candida albicans (yeast-like fungus)
  • Dermatophytes invade keratinized tissues, remaining superficial in the stratum corneum
  • Candida albicans switches from commensal to pathogenic in moist/immunocompromised settings, using enzymes to invade skin barriers
  • Risks for candidiasis include antibiotic use, diabetes, immunosuppression, and moisture
  • Tinea infections are transmitted through contact with infected people/surfaces and thrive in warm, moist environments
  • Candidiasis can occur in the mouth, vagina, diaper area, skin folds, and penis
  • Tinea infections manifest as itchy, scaly, ring-shaped rashes, cracked feet, or thick nails
  • Candidiasis presents as white plaques, red moist rash with satellite lesions, itching, burning, and discharge
  • Key identifiers for tinea infections are the location (capitis, corporis, cruris, pedis, unguium) and a raised red border with central clearing
  • Key identifiers for candidiasis include white plaques, inflammation, and satellite pustules

Tinea Infections (Dermatophytosis) Pathophysiology

  • Superficial fungal infections are caused by dermatophytes that feed on keratin
  • Dermatophytes invade keratinized tissues and thrive in warm, moist environments
  • Infections are limited to the stratum corneum, nails, and hair follicles
  • Host immune response may cause inflammation, itching, and scaling
  • Transmission occurs through direct or indirect contact

Candidiasis (Candida albicans infection) Pathophysiology

  • Opportunistic infection caused by Candida albicans
  • Candida is normally a commensal organism in the skin, mouth, GI tract, and vagina
  • Candida converts from commensal to pathogenic in immunocompromised individuals, moist environments, or after antibiotic use
  • Keratolytic enzymes and proteases disrupt the epidermal barrier and evade neutrophil killing
  • Candidiasis invades mucous membranes, skin folds, nails, and genital areas

Tinea Infections (Classified by location) Clinical Manifestations

  • Tinea capitis, located on the scalp, presents as scaly patches, alopecia, and broken hairs
  • Tinea corporis, located on the body ("ringworm"), presents as circular, red, scaly, raised borders
  • Tinea pedis, located on the feet ("athlete’s foot"), presents as cracked, peeling, itchy skin between toes
  • Tinea cruris, located on the groin ("jock itch"), presents as red, itchy rash in inner thighs/folds
  • Tinea unguium/onychomycosis, located on the nails, presents as thickened, discolored, brittle nails; Symptoms include itching, scaling, and redness

Candidiasis Clinical Manifestations

  • Common sites include the mouth (thrush: white plaques on tongue/cheeks), vagina (itching, discharge), skin folds (intertrigo: red, moist rash with satellite lesions), penile (erythema, itching, rash under foreskin), and diaper rash (red, irritated skin with satellite pustules)
  • Symptoms include itching, burning, white discharge or plaques, and erythema, edema, and satellite lesions
  • In systemic cases (immunocompromised), candidiasis may become invasive

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