Mycology

• What is the study of fungi called?

  Mycology
• What are the general features of fungi?

  Fungi are non-photosynthetic, aerobic eukaryotic organisms that absorb nutrients from their environment.
• What is the singular form of fungi?

  Fungus
• How do fungi differ from plants?

  Fungi are non-photosynthetic and do not produce their own food like plants.
• How many species of fungi are there, and how many are associated with human disease?

  There are over 100,000 species of fungi, with 500 associated with human disease.
• What is the generation time for fungi?

  The generation time for fungi is in hours.
• What are the main components of the fungal cell wall?

  The fungal cell wall is mostly composed of chitin, mannans, glucans, and sometimes cellulose.
• How do fungi obtain their nutrition?

  Fungi obtain nutrition by secreting enzymes for external digestion and absorbing the nutrients released.
• What is the basic structural unit of fungi?

  The basic structural unit of fungi is either a hypha or a yeast cell.
• What is the difference between the asexual and sexual reproduction of fungi?


  Asexual reproduction involves the production of spores, while sexual reproduction involves the fusion of nuclei from compatible colonies.
• What are the two stages of fungal reproduction?

  The two stages are anamorph (asexual) and teleomorph (sexual).
• What are the characteristics of fungal spores?


  Spores are very resistant to heat, cold, acids, bases, and other chemicals, and they can be potent allergens.
• How many phyla are there in the Kingdom Fungi, and how many are pathogenic to humans?

  There are 7 phyla in the Kingdom Fungi, and only 3 are pathogenic to humans.
• What is the main characteristic of Glomeromycota?


  Glomeromycota are usually aseptate with branching hyphae and produce asexual spores inside a sporangium.
• What is the significance of ascospores in Ascomycota?


  Ascospores are produced during sexual reproduction and are borne in a saclike structure called an ascus.
• What is the difference between Hyphomycetes and Coelomycetes?

  Hyphomycetes have septate mycelium and produce conidia directly on hyphae, while Coelomycetes produce conidia in specialized structures.
• What are the four classifications of mycosis based on the area of the body affected?

  Superficial mycosis, cutaneous mycosis, subcutaneous mycosis, and systemic mycosis.
• What is the significance of the immunologic status of the host in mycotic infections?

  The severity of mycotic infections depends mostly on the immunologic status of the host.
• What are the three main groups of clinical syndromes related to fungi?

  Mycotoxicosis, hypersensitivity diseases, and colonization with eventual disease.
• What is mycotoxicosis?

  Mycotoxicosis is secondary to the ingestion of fungal toxins, often accidental.
• What are some examples of fungal toxins and their effects?

  Ergot alkaloids can cause tissue inflammation, necrosis, and gangrene, while aflatoxin can cause liver damage and carcinogenesis.
• How do hypersensitivity reactions relate to fungal spores?

  Hypersensitivity diseases are usually a result of fungal spores in the air, triggering asthmatic attacks and other respiratory issues.
• What are the laboratory procedures for diagnosing fungal infections?


  • Combination of clinical observation and laboratory investigation
  • Collection of adequate clinical specimens
  • Microscopic detection of the etiologic agent
  • Isolation and identification in culture
  • Detection of serologic response or fungal markers
• What is the role of potassium hydroxide (KOH) in the examination of clinical specimens?

  KOH is used to treat keratinized dermatologic specimens to reveal fungal organisms under a microscope.
• What are some staining methods used in the direct microscopic examination of fungal specimens?

  Staining methods include lactophenol cotton blue, methylene blue, and calcofluor white.
• What is the purpose of using a fluorescent microscope in fungal examination?

  A fluorescent microscope is used to visualize fungal cell walls stained with calcofluor white.
• Why is direct microscopic examination important in diagnosing fungal infections?

  Direct microscopic examination can reveal fungal organisms quickly and guide treatment decisions.
• What is the significance of culture in the diagnosis of fungal infections?

  Culturing allows for the isolation and identification of fungi from clinical specimens.
• How does the quality of clinical specimens affect mycotic laboratory investigations?

  Quality specimens are essential for accurate diagnosis and investigation of mycotic infections.
• What factors should be considered when collecting clinical specimens for mycotic investigation?

  Signs and symptoms, underlying illness, recent travel, previous residence abroad, and the patient’s occupation should be considered.
• What is the role of new diagnostic procedures in fungal infections?

  New diagnostic procedures are being developed to detect fungal DNA in clinical material.
• How can direct microscopic examination guide treatment decisions?

  Direct microscopic examination can help determine whether an organism is a contaminant or a pathogen.
• What is the significance of selecting appropriate culture conditions in fungal recovery?

  Selecting appropriate culture conditions is crucial for recovering organisms visualized on direct smear.
• What is the importance of microscopic examination of skin scrapings?


  Microscopic examination of skin scrapings can reveal fungal organisms quickly.
• What types of specimens can be examined for fungal infections?

  Keratinized dermatologic specimens, sputum, lower respiratory tract specimens, and minced tissue samples can be examined.
• What is the purpose of using wet preparations in fungal examination?

  Wet preparations allow for the examination of specimens without staining, which can reveal fungal organisms.
• What is the role of staining in the examination of fungal specimens?

  Staining enhances the visibility of fungal structures under the microscope.
• How does the use of low power light microscopes aid in fungal examination?

  Low power light microscopes allow for the visualization of larger areas of the specimen.
• What is the significance of using reagents like methylene blue in fungal examination?

  Methylene blue is used as a stain to enhance the visibility of fungal structures.
• What is the purpose of using calcofluor white in fungal examination?

  Calcofluor white stains the fungal cell wall and is used with a fluorescent microscope.