Exam 58: Overview of Fungal Identification Methods and Strategies

A 59-year-old patient with cancer who was receiving high doses of chemotherapy developed a secondary lung infection that was identified as a fungus.The organism disseminated, which ultimately was fatal to the patient.The organism isolated from sputum exhibited septate hyphae that were dichotomous.The organism is most likely which of the following?

The mode of transmission for most of the dimorphic fungi is:

A 16-year-old male teenager is diagnosed with a fungal infection of his foot, which he acquired at the gym.This infection would most likely be classified as a(n)_______ mycosis.

Urea agar is set up for quality control purposes using two Trichophyton spp.-T.mentagrophytes and T.rubrum.After the appropriate amount of incubation, both organisms are negative.Which one of the following statements explains this discrepancy?

Which phylum exhibits both a teleomorph and an anamorph form?

Colonies are isolated 4 days after incubation from a skin infection that disseminated in a burn victim.A fungal infection is suspected.Which of the following is a possible organism that may be identified?

The optimal temperature and length of time to incubate a sample suspected of containing a dermatophyte is _____° C for _____ days.

Which fungal media is ideal for the recovery of organisms such as Microsporum and Trichophyton?

Which stain requires the use of a fluorescent microscope?

A 29-year-old patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)is suspected of having a Cryptococcus neoformans infection in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).A CSF specimen is collected and set up on cycloheximide agar.In addition, an India ink stain is set up.The India ink stain reveals encapsulated yeast; however, 3 weeks later, the cycloheximide agar is negative.Which one of the following statements explains this discrepancy?

An example of a dimorphic fungus is:

Fungal infections are generally acquired via which route?

A septate hyphae is microscopically observed using lactophenol cotton blue.Which organism can be ruled out as the cause of infection on the basis of this information?

Blood cultures are collected from a 36-year-old patient suspected of having a disseminated fungal infection.History reveals that she was exposed to bird droppings and may have inhaled the conidia.What is the best blood culture system to use to ensure optimal recovery of this pathogen?

Microscopically, this fungus appears barrel shaped with thick walls, which best describes which type of conidia?

A capsule and phenoloxidase melanin synthesis are virulence factors contributing to the pathogenicity of which of the following organisms?

A 28-year-old woman was gardening when a rose thorn pricked her finger, which later became infected.A sample is taken of the exudate and sent to the microbiology laboratory.Small, round, cigar-shaped structures are microscopically observed.She is most likely infected with which type of fungi?

An example of a thermally monomorphic mold is:

All mold cultures and clinical samples should always be handled in a Class _____ level biosafety cabinet.

If a fungal colony is described as rugose, then it means that the colony: