Mycology
Emergomycosis – an emerging mycosis
Emergomycosis is a systemic fungal mycosis caused by a novel dimorphic fungi called Emergomyces species. It is mainly seen in immunocompromised patients. The first case of Emergomycosis was identified in 1994 in Italy; however, the fungus was described in 1998. Disseminated Emergomycosis observed a case fatality rate of 48%. These fungi were initially classified as […]
Candida auris: an emerging multi-resistant fungus
Introduction Candida auris is a pathogen that has emerged as a global threat in recent years. It is the first human pathogenic fungus subject to international health alerts. The reason behind these concerns are – Public Health England reported in 2017 that almost all the C auris in the UK are fluconazole-resistant. There is also […]
Aspergillus niger
The Fungus: Identification: It initially forms white colonies with a yellow back, which quickly becomes black. Conidia is rough, brownish-black, biseriate, and covers the entire vesicle. A key feature in diagnosing A. niger infection is the presence of calcium oxalate crystals on pathological examination. The presence of crystals can be taken as an indication of A niger […]
Echinocandin
Echinocandins are a class of antifungals that prevent glucan synthesis pathways necessary for fungal cell wall formation. Echinocanins are antifungals that are widely used in clinical practice.Three echinocandins are approved for clinical use – Caspofungin, Micafungin and Anidulafungin.A fourth echinocandin – Rezafungin is being developed. Some other antifungals (some in development) that act of fungal cell walls […]
Classification of fungi
For FRCPath Microbiology, I consider the fungi highlighted in yellow are must-read. Grey highlighted ones - if you have time.