Textbook Question
Of the following fungi, which is usually transmitted from person to person?
a. Blastomyces dermatitidis
b. Coccidioides immitis
c. Tricophyton rubrum
d. Aspergillus fumigatus
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21. Principles of Disease
Characteristics of Infectious Disease
2:10 minutesProblem 6
Textbook Question
Which of the following is considered a classical opportunistic fungus?
a. Blastomyces
b. Histoplasma
c. Fonsecaea
d. Aspergillus
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the term 'classical opportunistic fungus.' These fungi typically cause infections primarily in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or on immunosuppressive therapy.
Step 2: Review each option's general characteristics and typical clinical presentations. For example, Blastomyces and Histoplasma are dimorphic fungi known for causing systemic infections in immunocompetent hosts, often considered primary pathogens rather than opportunists.
Step 3: Consider Fonsecaea, which is associated with chromoblastomycosis, a chronic cutaneous fungal infection, but it is not typically classified as an opportunistic pathogen.
Step 4: Recognize Aspergillus as a genus of molds that commonly cause opportunistic infections, especially invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients, making it a classical opportunistic fungus.
Step 5: Based on this analysis, identify which fungus fits the definition of a classical opportunistic pathogen by focusing on its typical host and infection pattern.
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Video duration:
2mKey Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Opportunistic Fungi
Opportunistic fungi are organisms that cause infections primarily in immunocompromised individuals, taking advantage of weakened host defenses. They are not typically pathogenic in healthy people but can cause severe disease when immunity is impaired.
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Classical Opportunistic Fungi Examples
Classical opportunistic fungi include species like Aspergillus, Candida, and Cryptococcus, which commonly infect immunocompromised hosts. Recognizing these fungi helps differentiate them from primary pathogens that can infect healthy individuals.
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Distinction Between Primary Pathogens and Opportunistic Fungi
Primary pathogenic fungi, such as Blastomyces and Histoplasma, can cause disease in healthy hosts by overcoming normal immune defenses. In contrast, opportunistic fungi mainly infect those with compromised immunity, highlighting the importance of host status in fungal infections.
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