Clinical Mycology

Fungi constitute a group of non motile, eukaryotic organisms that have definite cell walls, devoid of chlorophyll and reproduce by means of spores either sexual or a sexual.


Classification:

Fungi may take the following forms

1-Yeast: uni cellular spherical or ovoid in shape such as Candida species.

2-Mold: multicellular such as dermatophytes.

3- Dimorphism: is a character of some pathogenic fungi which grow as molds in natural environment and in lab. Culture and as yeasts in tissues. E.g Histoplasma, Blastomyces.

Fungal Infections:

They are classified into: cutaneous, sub-cutaneous, deep and opportunistic mycosis

 

Laboratory Diagnosis:
A) Collection of samples: according to site of infection, cutaneous (hair, nail, skin), subcutaneous (abscess, sinus, fistula), systemic (blood,sputum, CSF, bone marrow, urine, faeces).

B) Diagnostic methods:

1-Direct microscopic examination using KOH-indian ink,Giemsa –periodic acid Schiff.

2-Fungal culture: Commenst media is Sabouraud s agar.

3-Direct antigen detection by immunoelectrophoresis or latex.

4- Serology useful for diagnosis and prognosis of systemic fungal infections.

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