mycology

• Incubation period


  The time between exposure to an infectious agent and the appearance of the first symptoms
• The incubation period for Malassezia furfur is not well-defined, as it is not a traditional infectious agent like bacteria or viruses
• Malassezia furfur


  • Yeast fungus commonly found on human skin, especially in warm and humid climates
  • Can cause skin conditions like pityriasis versicolor, often seen in adolescents and young adults
• Factors like excessive sweating or oily skin


  Increase the risk of Malassezia furfur infection
• Mycology


  The study of fungi (includes mushrooms and yeasts)
• Fungi


  Microorganisms under the domain Eukarya, including yeasts, molds, and mushrooms
• The kingdom of the fungi (Mycota) comprises over 50000 different species, only about 200 of which have been identified as human pathogens. Only about a dozen of these "pathogenic" species cause 90% of all human mycoses.
• Morphological forms of fungi

  • Hypha
  • Yeast
• Types of fungal infections (based on location/depth of penetration into the human body)

  • Superficial
  • Cutaneous
  • Subcutaneous
  • Deep/Systemic
• Types of fungal infections (based on the origin of infection)

  • Endogenous
  • Exogenous
• Types of fungal infections (based on virulence)


  • Primary
  • Opportunistic
• Histoplasmosis


  An infection caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum
• Histoplasma capsulatum


  • The fungus lives in the environment, particularly in soil that contains large amounts of bird or bat droppings
  • It is primarily found in the central and eastern states of the United States, especially areas around the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys
• Signs and symptoms of histoplasmosis

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Fatigue
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Chest pain
  • Body aches
• Diagnostic tests for histoplasmosis

  • Antigen or Antibody Tests
  • Blood Tests
  • Urine Tests
  • Imaging Tests
  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage
  • Biopsy
  • Culture
• Incubation period for histoplasmosis

  Typically 3 to 21 days, but about 90% of infections are asymptomatic or result in a mild influenza-like illness
• Mode of transmission for histoplasmosis

  Inhalation of fungal spores present in the environment, particularly in soil contaminated with bird or bat droppings
• Treatment and prevention of histoplasmosis

  • Mild cases may resolve without specific treatment
  • Severe cases, chronic histoplasmosis, or disseminated histoplasmosis require prescription antifungal medications such as amphotericin B, itraconazole, or other antifungals
  • Minimizing exposure to contaminated soil, using protective measures in high-risk environments, practicing good hygiene, and considering vaccination in specific occupational settings
• Epidemiology of histoplasmosis


  Histoplasma capsulatum is present worldwide in pockets of endemicity, particularly associated with river valleys. In the United States, the Ohio and Mississippi river valleys, as well as southeastern states, are considered endemic regions. Histoplasmosis is the most common endemic fungal infection in the USA.
• Coccidioides immitis


  A pathogenic fungus that resides in the soil in certain parts of the southwestern United States, northern Mexico, and a few other areas in the Western Hemisphere
• Valley fever (Coccidioidomycosis)


  An infection caused by the fungus Coccidioides immitis
• Signs and symptoms of primary coccidioidomycosis

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Chest pain
  • Chills
  • Sputum production
  • Sore throat
  • Hemoptysis
• Mode of transmission for coccidioidomycosis

  Inhalation of airborne arthroconidia, often after disturbance of contaminated soil (e.g., small-scale activities including construction or excavation, or large-scale events such as dust storms and earthquakes)
• Diagnostic tests for coccidioidomycosis

  • Culture or nucleic acid-based detection from respiratory specimens
  • Spherule detection in tissue samples by histopathology
  • Detection of specific antibodies in a patient's serum or body fluid
• Treatment for coccidioidomycosis


  • Fluconazole
  • Itraconazole (usually 3 to 6 months of treatment)
• Epidemiology of coccidioidomycosis


  Coccidioides immitis is an infectious, dimorphic fungus that inhabits dry soil and is endemic to the southwestern USA as well as parts of Mexico and Central and South America. Incidence increases steadily with age, with those over age 70 experiencing the highest rate.
• Blastomycosis


  A fungal infection primarily affecting the lungs and skin, caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis
• Signs and symptoms of blastomycosis

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Joint pain
  • Skin lesion
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle aches
  • Night sweats
• Cryptococcus neoformans


  A type of fungus that can cause a severe lung infection called cryptococcosis
• Mode of transmission for blastomycosis

  Inhalation of fungal spores present in the environment, particularly in soil containing decaying organic matter
• Cryptococcosis


  A fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans
• Incubation period for blastomycosis

  Typically ranging from 3 weeks to 3 months after exposure to the fungus
• Diagnostic tests for blastomycosis

  • Microscopic examination
  • Serological test
  • Imaging studies
• Treatment for blastomycosis


  • Amphotericin B
  • Itraconazole
• Incubation period


  Between two and thirteen months following exposure with an average of six to seven months
• Epidemiology of blastomycosis


  Endemic to certain regions
• Blastomycosis


  Fungal infection that primarily affects the lungs and can spread to other organs
• Incubation


  Typically ranging from 3 weeks to 3 months after exposure to the fungus
• Sporothrix schenckii


  A fungus that is the primary causative agent of the infection known as sporotrichosis
• Sporothrix schenckii


  • Classified as a dimorphic fungus, meaning it can exist in both yeast and filamentous forms. The yeast form is associated with the infection in humans.