Fungi Notes PDF

Fungi Prepared by: Brian Dicam Objectives Correlate the relevance of studying fungi to the nursing practice. Describe the common fungal causing diseases as to the components of the chain of infection. Recognize the common signs and symptoms, preventive, control, and treat...

Fungi Prepared by: Brian Dicam Objectives Correlate the relevance of studying fungi to the nursing practice. Describe the common fungal causing diseases as to the components of the chain of infection. Recognize the common signs and symptoms, preventive, control, and treatment of fungal diseases. Describe the responsibilities of a nurse in preventing the spread of fungal diseases. Fungi Description Common in the environment and people usually come in contact or inhale fungal spores on a daily basis Most infections are usually opportunistic in nature Fungi Types Differentiated based on their life cycles, presence or structure of their fruiting body and the arrangement and type of spores they produce. Molds Yeasts Mushrooms Fungi Molds Characterized by their thread-like structure known as the hyphae A network of hyphae is called a mycelium They reproduce through spores Thrives in warm and moist areas Fungi Molds Fungi Yeast Single celled fungi They reproduce through budding and could form hyphae –like structures called a pseudo-hyphae Cannot produce spores Can thrive everywhere Fungi Yeast Fungal Infections Ringworm | Various fungi species Candidiasis | Candida albicans Ringworm Description Common fungal infection that affects everyone. Caused by the following types of fungi: Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton Classified according to location. Ringworm Description Classifications Groin/Inner thigh/Butt: Tinea cruris or Jock itch Torso/ Arms/ Legs: Tinea corporis Feet: Tinea pedis or Athlete’s foot Scalp: Tinea capitis Hands: Tinea manuum Beard: Tinea barbae Fingernails/ Toenails: Tinea unguium Ringworm Description Signs and Symptoms Ringworm Description Classifications Signs and Symptoms Ringworm Description Signs and Symptoms Ringworm Description Classifications Signs and Symptoms Itchy skin Ring shaped rash Red, scaly, cracked skin Hair loss in affected areas Feet and hands: Peeling between toes/fingers and blisters on sole/palm Nails: Discoloration, thickening and peeling nails, soft, dry and powdery nail surface Ringworm Description Classifications Transmission Direct contact with rash from infected people Indirect contact through fomites Scratching uninfected parts of the body after scratching a ringworm rash from the affected area of the body Ringworm Description Classifications Diagnosis Physical examination KOH stain Fungal culture PCR test Ringworm Candidiasis Description Classifications Treatment Ringworm on skin: Over the counter anti-fungal cream or powder to be applied for 2-4 weeks Ringworm on scalp: Prescription anti-fungal medication to be applied orally for 1-3 months. Creams and powders do not work for scalp ringworm since they can’t penetrate the hair shaft.  Candidiasis Description An opportunistic fungal infection caused by Candida Candida normally lives on the surface of the skin and inside of the body such as the mouth, gut, intestines and vagina.  Candidiasis Classifications Vaginal Candida / Yeast Infection Oropharyngeal candidiasis and Candida esophagitis Invasive Candidiasis Candidiasis Signs and Symptoms Candidiasis Signs and Symptoms  Candidiasis Description Classifications Signs and Symptoms Oropharyngeal candidiasis & Candida esophagitis White, curd-like patches on the inner cheek, tongue, roof of the mouth and around the esophageal walls Cracking or redness at the corners of the mouth Pain while chewing and swallowing Cotton-like feeling in the mouth Redness or soreness Loss of taste  Candidiasis Description Classifications Signs and Symptoms Vaginal candida White, curd-like discharge Vaginal itching or soreness Pain during intercourse Pain or discomfort when urinating Redness, swelling and cracks around the vaginal wall  Candidiasis Description Classifications Signs and Symptoms Invasive candidiasis Invasive candidiasis: Eyes Stomach pain Blurry vision Chills and fever Sensitivity to light Low blood pressure Invasive candidiasis: Brain Muscle ache Confusion Skin rash Headache Fatigue Memory loss  Candidiasis Description Classifications Causes Vaginal candida Imbalance in normal flora of the vagina Contraceptive devices (i.e. IUD, vaginal sponge, diaphragms) Weakened immune system Diabetes  Candidiasis Description Classifications Causes Oropharyngeal candidiasis / Candida esophagitis Antibiotics Dentures Smoking and Dry Mouth Diabetes Steroid medications Weakened immune system  Candidiasis Description Classifications Causes Invasive candidiasis Medical devices that can carry Candida from skin to the blood Medical devices infected by healthcare worker’s hands  Candidiasis Description Classifications Causes Oropharyngeal candidiasis / Candida esophagitis Oral intercourse with infected partner Breastfeeding  Candidiasis Description Classifications Diagnosis Physical examination Microscopic examination of vaginal discharge Fungal culture Endoscopy (Candida esophagitis)  Candidiasis Description Classifications Treatment Antifungal medication taken orally or applied directly on the affected area Antifungal medicine taken through IV drip (Invasive candidiasis)