Advanced Fungal Infections and Mycology Quiz

Black Piedra is caused by Piedraia hortae, a fungus that infects hair shafts leading to the formation of nodules.

Tinea Capitis refers to head, Tinea Barbe refers to beard, Tinea Coprus refers to body (ring worm), and Tinea Cruris refers to perineum (jock itch) as sites of cutaneous infection.

Aspergillus is the correct answer because it is a mold with narrow septated hyphae and acute angle branching that commonly affects immunocompromised patients. The three syndromes associated with Aspergillus are aspergilloma, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and invasive aspergillosis.

Patients with suppressed immune systems are at increased risk of Candida infections, particularly in the setting of recent antibiotic therapy and invasive procedures like catheter removal. Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, and Histoplasma are less commonly associated with these specific clinical circumstances.

The correct answer is Pneumocystis Jirovecii, which is commonly seen in HIV patients with T cell deficiency. It is not a fungus, as it may appear, and is treated with anti-protozoal medications, not antifungals, antibiotics, or antiparasitic medications.

Zygomycetes, specifically mucor, are non-septated fungi that are known to cause infections in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with diabetes and ketoacidosis. They can present as pneumonia in neutropenic patients and lead to skin infections in individuals who have experienced trauma or burns. Aspergillus, Candida, and Cryptococcus are different types of fungi that do not exhibit the same branching pattern or characteristics as Zygomycetes in this scenario.

Blastomyces dermatitidis is a dimorphic fungus that can cause primary lung infection in healthy individuals when inhaled. It may disseminate to other parts of the body such as skin, bone, and gastrointestinal system. The other options, Coccidioides immitis, Histoplasma capsulatum, and Cryptococcus neoformans, are not known to cause the described pattern of infection.

Coccidioides immitis is the correct answer as it is associated with valley fever, which can present with pneumonia and disseminate in immunocompromised individuals. The spirule mentioned in the question is characteristic of this fungus. Histoplasma capsulatum, Blastomyces dermatitidis, and Aspergillus fumigatus are other fungal pathogens that can cause respiratory infections, but do not typically present with the same clinical features mentioned in the question.

Histoplasma capsulatum is the correct answer as it is commonly found in bird and bat feces in soil. Coccidioides immitis, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Blastomyces dermatitidis are not typically associated with bird and bat feces or the described scenario.

Sporothrix schenckii is the causal agent of sporotrichosis, which can be acquired through traumatic inoculation with contaminated plant material like rose or barberry thorns. It presents with nodules along the lymphatic channels, known as sporotrichoid lesions, that can eventually ulcerate. The culture of Sporothrix schenckii typically displays a black appearance due to the melanin production.

The correct answer is Paracoccidioides brasilienesis because it is a fungus commonly found in Central and South America that can cause lung infection in individuals exposed to its spores. The mnemonic to remember this is to take a boat (mariner's wheel) to Brazil (fungi and region).

The presence of pigeon poop under a red gum tree and staining with India ink suggests Cryptococcus neoformans due to its characteristic dark appearance resembling India ink.