PathologyLesson 2 of 3 in the course Skin and Eye Infections

Tineas, Cutaneous Aspergillosis, and Sporotrichosis

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

This lesson introduces cutaneous mycoses, which affect the outer layers of the body, and focuses on tineas and candidiasis of the skin and nails. These infections are common, and understanding how they spread, appear, and are diagnosed helps guide prevention and treatment.

Tineas are cutaneous mycoses caused by dermatophytes—molds that use keratin, a protein found in skin, hair, and nails, as a source for growth. The three dermatophyte genera are Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and Microsporum. The name of a tinea generally indicates the body location, not the particular fungus causing it.

All flashcards

What is a cutaneous mycosis?
A fungal infection affecting superficial tissues such as the epidermis, hair, or nails.
How does a KOH wet mount help detect dermatophytes?
Aqueous KOH dissolves keratin, making fungal hyphae and spores easier to see microscopically.
What do the names of most tineas indicate?
The body location affected, rather than the particular fungus causing the infection.
How do primary and secondary cutaneous aspergillosis differ?
Primary infection begins in the skin; secondary infection reaches the skin after spreading from another site.
What skin and nail changes can cutaneous candidiasis cause?
It can cause localized rashes, often in skin folds, and nail infections that may make nails yellow and hard.

Quiz questions

  1. Which three genera of dermatophytes cause tineas?Answer: Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and Microsporum
  2. What is the role of Sabouraud dextrose CC agar in dermatophyte testing?Answer: It supports dermatophyte growth while limiting bacteria and saprophytic fungi.
  3. A skin infection begins at an injury site. Which form of cutaneous aspergillosis does this describe?Answer: Primary cutaneous aspergillosis
  4. Which fungus causes sporotrichosis?Answer: Sporothrix schenckii
  5. Which finding may occur at sites of cutaneous aspergillosis?Answer: An eschar

Based on Microbiology by Nina Parker, Mark Schneegurt, Anh-Hue Thi Tu, Philip Lister, Brian M. Forster (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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