Fungi “a group of diverse and widespread unicellular and multicellular organisms, lacking chlorophyll, usually bearing spores and often filamentous”

Fungal Infections 10 years nosocomial organic compounds and carbon: energy aerobic or facultatively anaerobic

Categories of Fungi 1) yeasts 2) molds 3) dimorphic fungi

Yeasts spherical or oval “budding” 1 yeast cell can produce up to 24 daughter cells by “budding” short chain of cells

Molds thallus (body) hyphae septa septate hyphae

Dimorphic Fungi 2 forms of growth in pathogenic species – 1) mold – 2) yeast Mold: hyphae (multicellular) Yeast: buds (unicellular)

Dermatomycosis dermatophytes epidermis, hair, and nails enzyme: keratinase direct contact, infected hairs and epidermal cells 3 genera

Coccidiodomycosis Readings question #1: What is coccidiocomycoses? What microorganism causes this disease and where is it found? How is it transmitted? San Joaquin Fever

Diagnosis Spherules (spores) in tissues or fluids Tissues, lesions Laboratory workers: infectious aerosols Increasing in California and Arizona

Histoplasmosis Readings question #2: What is the causative microorganism? Where is this microorganism found? How is the disease acquired?

Candidiasis Bacterial microbiota (genitourinary tract) Antibacterial drugs Normal mucosal pH Readings question #3: What microorganisms cause candidiasis? How may this infection appear in infants? What is it called?

Cryptococcosis Spherical cells, budding Polysaccharide capsules Soil, pigeon roosts and nests Inhalation of dried droppings

Brain Tissue with Cavities

Aspergillosis Readings question #4: What is the causative fungus? Where is it found? How is it spread? What are the symptoms for the disease?

Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP) Healthy human lungs High infection rate in general population Lining of the alveoli Diagnosis: sputum samples

Readings Question #5 How is the disease PCP spread? What are its symptoms? Is it potentially fatal? (If yes, how does death occur?)