Molds and Fungi
CRYPTOCCUS NEOFORMANS
Crytoccus neoformans is the cause of the fungal infection Crypyoccosis. The inhalation of the Cryptococcus neoformans in particles of dust contaminated by pigeon feces, therefore, cryptococcosis is primarily an urban infection. It is most common in the central and western states. It is most likely to develop in immunologically compromised persons, particularly those with Hodgkin’s disease, leukemia, lymphomas and those receiving immunospuressives.
GEOTRICHUM CANDIDUM
Geotrichum candidum fungi is the cause of the disorder Geotrichosis, a term applied to several oral, bronchial, pharyngeal and intestinal disorders. This fungus is normally found even in healthy persons. Geotrichum candidum grows in soil and is often found in dairy products. Geotrichum candidum can cause a bronchopulmonary disorder with viscous, blood-tinged sputum and allergic asthmatic reactions similar to allergic aspergillosis. Geotrichosis occurs most often in immunosuppressed persons and in diabetics.
ASPERGILLOSIS FUMIGATUS
Aspergillus occurs in four major forms: Aspergilloma, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillosis endophthalmitis. Aspergillus is found worldwide, often in fermenting compost piles and damp hay. It is transmitted through inhalation of the fungal spores or the invasion of spores through a wound or other tissue injury. It is a common laboratory contaminant and is the most common cause of infections in hospitals. Aspergillus is normally present in the mouth and sputum. Aspergillus may cause infection of the ear (otomycosis), cornea (mycotic keratitis), and prosthetic heart valves (endocarditis).
ZYGOMYCETES
There are two orders of Zygomycetes that act as pathogens in humans: the MUCORALES order which contains the Mucoraceae family of genera – Rhizopus, Mucor, and Absidia, and the ENTOMOPHTHORALES order. RHIZOPUS, MUCOR, and ABSIDIA cause mucormycosis infections. Typically, the transmission of rhinocerebral mucormycosis occurs by inhalation of fungi found in soil or decaying vegetable matter. These fungi are found throughout the world. This fungi then invades the mucous membrane and blood vessel walls.
TINEA
Tinea is a fugal infection of many different kinds of the skin infections. The specific type depends on the characteristic appearance, etiopigic agent and site. The Tinea fungi feed on the body’s waste products of dead skin and perspiration. The fungi are highly contagious. Prevention is largely a matter of cleanliness – washing all parts of the body with soap and water, especially hairy areas and body folds, followed with thorough drying. Transmission may also occur through ingestion, trauma, and I.V. catherization.
EPIDERMAOPHYTON FLOCCOSUM
A fungal infection of the skin involving the feet but can cause rash and itching in other body parts as well. Transmission can occur directly, through contact with infected lesions or through contact with contaminated articles, such as shoes, towels, or shower stalls. This fungus combined with Candida albicans and Trichophyton cause the Tinea infection Athlete’s Foot.
TRICHOPHYTON
Trichophyton fungus is the source of several fungal infections of the skin.
Tinea Corporis – commonly called ringworm. Flat lesions on the skin at any site except the scalp, bearded skin or feet. These lesions are dry and scaly or moist and crusty. As they heal they cause the classic ring-shaped appearance.
Tinea Unguium – (Onychomycosis) an infection that typically starts at the tip of one or more toenails or fingernails (fingernail infection is less common) and produces a gradual thickening, discoloration, and crumbling of the nail eventually destroying the nail completely.
Tinea Capitis – Characterized by small spreading papules on the scalp, causing patchy hair loss with scaling. These lesions may progress to inflamed, pus filled lesions. This infection is sometimes called Ringworm of the scalp.
MICROSPORUM FURFUR
Microsporum furfur fungus is of the Tinea family that is the cause of the chronic, superficial infection Tinea Versicolor. Tinea Versicolor typically produces raised or macular, round or oval, slightly scaly lesions on the upper trunk but may extend to the lower abdomen, neck, arm, but rarely the face. These lesions usually are tawny but may range from white patches in the dark-skinned persons to hyperpigmented (brown) patches on fair skinned persons. These areas do not tan when exposed to sunlight. Inflammation, burning or itching is possible but usually absent.
- Rhinocerebral mucormycosis produces ulceration or perforation of the nasal septum and necrosis of the nasal turbinates.
- Pulmonary mucormycosis causes gradual or dudden onset of chest pain, fever, hemoptyis and friction rub.
- Gastrointestinal mucormycosis often is associated with manutrition, causes abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and eventually intestinal perforation.
RHIZOPUS
Rhizopus is the black mold found on bread. Once Rhizopus lays down a mat of hyphae on bread it pushes specialized spore bearing hyphae up in the air. Each spore can germinate to produce a new mat of hyphae creating lumps of hyphae spores that look like small black balloons.
SPOROTRIX SCHENCKII
Sporotrix schenckii is found throughout the world. It is found in soil, wood, sphagnum moss and decaying vegetation. This fungus usually enters through broken skin, (the pulmonary form through inhalation). Sporotrix schenckii occurs in three forms:
Cutaneous lymphatic produces skin lesions, usually on the hands or fingers. Each lesion begins as a small painless subcutaneous nodule but progresses to ulcerated, swollen, crusted nodules.
Pulmonary sporotrichosis causes a productive cough, lung cavities and nodules, and the formation of a fungus ball. It is often associated with sarcoidosis and tuberculosis.
