Mycology

• What is the study of fungi called?

  Mycology
• Who are the scientists that study pathogenic fungi?

  Medical mycologists
• What are mycoses?

  Diseases caused by fungi
• What does mycotoxicology study?

  The effects of fungal toxins
• What are the two main types of fungi based on their cellular structure?

  Yeasts and molds
• How do yeasts reproduce?

  By budding
• At what temperatures do pathogenic yeasts typically grow in vitro?

  25°C and 37°C
• What is the significance of Sabouraud’s dextrose agar?

  It is used for the enrichment of fungi
• What is the process of yeast elongation leading to hyphae called?

  Germ tube formation
• What are the characteristics of molds?

  Multicellular and heterotrophic
• What is the mechanism of action of azole antifungals?

  Inhibition of ergosterol synthesis
• Which antifungal class includes Amphotericin B?

  Polyenes
• What is the role of echinocandins in antifungal treatment?

  They inhibit glucan synthesis
• What is the beneficial impact of mycology?

  Decomposers and industrial fermentations
• What is a major detrimental impact of fungi?

  Causing many animal and human diseases
• What is the estimated number of deaths caused by fungal infections annually?

  Over 1.5 million
• What is the most common pathogen in candidiasis?

  1. albicans
• What is the environmental organism associated with cryptococcosis?

  1. neoformans
• What is the primary risk factor for cryptococcosis?

  Immunocompromised state
• What is the common symptom of invasive fungal infections?

  Coughing up blood
• What is the purpose of the germ tube test?

  To differentiate C. albicans from other yeasts
• What does KOH microscopy help differentiate?

  Dermatophytes and Candida from other infections
• What is the significance of the β-glucan assay?

  It detects an abundant cell wall polysaccharide of most fungi
• How does the culture method for fungal identification work?

  It involves inoculating on selective media like Sabouraud Dextrose agar
• What is the role of MALDI-TOF in species identification?

  It provides rapid identification of fungal species
• What is a key characteristic of Candida auris?

  It is often multi-drug resistant
• Why is Candida auris a significant problem in healthcare?

  It causes hospital outbreaks and is often misidentified
• What are the key clinical themes for mycology?

  • Superficial and cutaneous fungal infections
  • Subcutaneous fungal infections
  • Invasive fungal infections
  • Emerging pathogens
• What are the diagnostic limitations in mycology?

  • Culture: Difficult to detect certain fungi
  • Microscopy: Sensitivity varies with sample quality
  • PCR: Requires purified template and is prone to contamination
  • Sequencing: High cost and technical expertise required
• What are the new mycology diagnostic needs?

  • Inexpensive kits with high shelf life
  • Rapid turnaround time (<3 hours)
  • High sensitivity and specificity
  • Ability to work with various sample types
• What is the importance of mycology in global health?

  • Fungal infections pose a serious threat to humans, animals, and plants
  • They can range from superficial to life-threatening diseases
  • Multiple diagnostic methods are needed for effective detection
• What is the role of antifungal treatment in mycology?

  To treat fungal infections effectively
• What is the significance of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) in molecular methods?

  It is used for accurate species identification
• How do the symptoms of invasive fungal infections vary?

  They vary based on the specific manifestation of the disease
• What is the role of histology in diagnosing fungal infections?

  It detects tissue invasion and host reaction
• What is the common treatment for invasive fungal infections?

  Voriconazole
• What is the purpose of serology diagnostics in mycology?

  To detect specific fungal antigens in the body
• What is the role of environmental contamination in fungal diagnostics?

  It complicates the identification of pathogens
• What is the importance of rapid diagnostic tests in mycology?

  They allow for timely treatment of fungal infections
• How does the germ tube test differentiate C. albicans?

  It shows a positive result for C. albicans and C. dublineinsis