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25 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What is a mycosis?
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A fungal infection in or on part of the body
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What are the 2 main ways to diagnosis a fungal infection?
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Lack of good molecular tests so:
1. Culture of organism 2. Look under microscope - useful because fungi have such distinct shapes |
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What are the 3 targets for antifungal medications?
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1. Cell membrane - target ERGOSTEROL, sterol in membrane
2. Cell wall 3. DNA Synthesis - not used as much as the other 2 classes |
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What 2 antifungals target the cell membrane?
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1. Amphotericin B (ampho-terrible)
2. Azoles (triazoles) - all names end in "azole" |
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Why is Amphotericin B not widely used?
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Because of its very high toxicity, "ampho-terrible"
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What class of antifungals target the cell wall?
Of these, which is the most important? |
Class: Echinocardins
- CASPOFUNGIN is the most important |
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What are the characteristics of Caspofungin?
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- Targets cell wall
- Given IV - very well tolerated |
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What is the main antifungal that inhibits DNA/RNA synthesis?
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Flucytosine
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What are the only 2 "primary pathogens" fungi that cause infection in normal host?
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1. Histoplasmosis (ohio valley fever)
2. Coccidiomycosis (San Joaquin Valley Fever) |
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What are the 3 opportunistic fungal pathogens?
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1. candida - mostly a yeast
2. Cryptococcus neoforman - a yeast 3. Aspergillus - a mold |
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What is the most important opportunistic fungal infection?
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Candida
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Is candida a normal gut/skin flora?
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Yes, therefore causes disease when host's immune system is compromised
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What common superficial infection does Candida cause?
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Thrush
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What is the treatment for Candida?
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Often an Azole: Fluconazole
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What fungal opportunistic infection is widespread in nature and has oval cells surrounded by "halo"?
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Cryptococcus
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What is the most important complication of Cryptococcus?
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- When it enters the bloodstream, can go anywhere
- Can cause Cryptococcal meningitis |
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How is Cryptococcus treated?
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Treatment for systemic infection requires Amphotericin B followed by long term treatment with an Azole: Fluconazole
- Such a significant problem for AIDS patients that they often take fluconazole as prophylaxis |
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What is the most common true fungal pathogen?
Is it extracellular or intracellular? |
- Histoplasm capsulatum (Histoplasmosis - Ohio Valley Fever)
- It is the ONLY intracellular fungus |
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What symptoms does Histoplasmosis usually give?
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- Pulmonary symptoms because spores of fungus are inhaled
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How is Histoplasmosis usually treated?
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- Usually does not require treatment
- In immune compromised patients, can use amphotericin |
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What common fungus (infects normal people) is usually seen in the southwest?
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Coccidiodomycosis: San Jaquin Valley Fever
- In Southwest because it prefers DRY SOIL |
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How is Coccidioidomycosis treated?
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- Janwaquin valley fever
- Usually does not require treatment - If does, amphotericin plus azole |
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What is the most serious opportunistic fungal infection?
What are its characteristics? |
- Aspergillus
- Incredibly destructive - acutely branching hyphae that have septae - Lung infection common, but can spread - High Mortality |
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Why is early diagnosis essential with aspergillus?
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Because will form granuloma with necrosis, making drug treatment very innefective
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How do you treat aspergillus?
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Amphotericin and Azole
Pray |
