FUNGUS

FUNGUS Fungi

1. Definition: Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that belong to the kingdom Fungi.
2. Characteristics:
   • Multicellular
   • Heterotrophic
   • Absorb nutrients from the surroundings
   • Have cell walls
   • Reproduce by spores

Classification of Fungi Morphological Forms

1. Yeast
   • Single-celled
   • Reproduce by budding or fission
   • Examples: Candida, Saccharomyces
2. Mold
   • Filamentous
   • Reproduce by spores
   • Examples: Aspergillus, Penicillium
3. Conidia
   • Produce spores on aerial structures
   • Examples: Aspergillus, Penicillium
4. Hyphae
   • Long, branching filaments
   • Examples: Aspergillus, Penicillium

Classification of Fungi based on Type of Infection

1. Superficial Mycoses
   • Infection of the skin and mucous membranes
   • Examples:
     • Ringworm (Tinea corporis)
     • Athlete's foot (Tinea pedis)
     • Jock itch (Tinea cruris)
2. Systemic Mycoses
   • Infection of internal organs
   • Examples:
     • Histoplasmosis
     • Coccidioidomycosis
     • Cryptococcosis
3. Opportunistic Mycoses
   • Infection of individuals with weakened immune systems
   • Examples:
     • Aspergillosis
     • Candidiasis

Laboratory Diagnosis of Fungal Infections

1. Microscopy
   • KOH wet mount
   • Calcofluor white staining
   • India ink staining
2. Culture
   • Sabouraud agar
   • Brain-heart infusion agar
3. Molecular Diagnostics
   • PCR
   • DNA sequencing

Examples of Superficial Mycoses

1. Tinea corporis (Ringworm)
   • Caused by Trichophyton, Microsporum, or Epidermophyton
   • Characterized by circular, scaly patches
2. Tinea pedis (Athlete's foot)
   • Caused by Trichophyton, Microsporum, or Epidermophyton
   • Characterized by scaling, cracking, and peeling of the skin
3. Tinea cruris (Jock itch)
   • Caused by Trichophyton, Microsporum, or Epidermophyton
   • Characterized by itching, redness, and scaling of the skin

Examples of Fungi Causing Systemic Mycoses

1. Histoplasma capsulatum
   • Causes histoplasmosis
   • Characterized by coughing, fever, and chest pain
2. Coccidioides immitis
   • Causes coccidioidomycosis
   • Characterized by fever, coughing, and shortness of breath
3. Cryptococcus neoformans
   • Causes cryptococcosis
   • Characterized by fever, headache, and stiff neck

Examples of Fungi Causing Opportunistic Mycoses

1. Aspergillus fumigatus
   • Causes aspergillosis
   • Characterized by coughing, fever, and shortness of breath
2. Candida albicans
   • Causes candidiasis
   • Characterized by itching, redness, and scaling of the skin

Pathogenesis of Candidiasis

1. Step 1: Candida albicans colonizes the skin and mucous membranes
2. Step 2: Candida albicans adheres to the host cells via adhesins
3. Step 3: Candida albicans produces enzymes to break down host tissues
4. Step 4: Candida albicans invades the host cells and causes inflammation

Homoeopathic Concept of Significance of Susceptibility in Fungal Infections

1. Fungi thrive in an environment of low resistance
2. Host susceptibility is influenced by factors such as stress, diet, and immune system function
3. Homoeopathic remedies can be used to enhance immune system function and reduce susceptibility to fungal infections

Memory Trick: "Fungi grow in places where humans go, Colonize, adhere, and break down, that's what they do. Infect the host, invade the cells, Cause inflammation, and make the host yell!"