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PART V  MYCOLOGY
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47
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C H A P T E R

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Basic Mycology
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CHAPTER CONTENTS
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Structure & Growth Antifungal Therapy
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Pathogenesis Self-Assessment Questions
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Fungal Toxins & Allergies Practice Questions: USMLE & Course Examinations
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Laboratory Diagnosis
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STRUCTURE & GROWTH TABLE 47–1  Comparison of Fungi and Bacteria
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Because fungi (yeasts and molds) are eukaryotic organ- Feature Fungi Bacteria
isms, whereas bacteria are prokaryotic, they differ in sev- Diameter Approximately Approximately 1μm
eral fundamental respects (Table 47–1). Two fungal cell 4 μm (Candida) (Staphylococcus)
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structures are important medically: Nucleus Eukaryotic Prokaryotic
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(1) The fungal cell wall consists primarily of chitin (not Cytoplasm Mitochondria and Mitochondria and
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peptidoglycan as in bacteria); thus fungi are insensitive to endoplasmic endoplasmic
reticulum reticulum absent
certain antibiotics, such as penicillins and cephalosporins,
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that inhibit peptidoglycan synthesis.

present
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Cell membrane Sterols present Sterols absent (except
(2) Chitin is a polysaccharide composed of long chains
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Mycoplasma)
of N-acetylglucosamine. The fungal cell wall contains other
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Cell wall Chitin Peptidoglycan

polysaccharides as well, the most important of which is content
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β-glucan, a long polymer of d-glucose. The medical impor-

Spores Sexual and asexual Endospores for survival, not
tance of β-glucan is that it is the site of action of the anti-
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spores for for reproduction

fungal drug caspofungin. reproduction
(3) The fungal cell membrane contains ergosterol, in Thermal Yes (some) No
contrast to the human cell membrane, which contains cho- dimorphism
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lesterol. The selective action of amphotericin B and azole Metabolism Require organic Many do not require
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drugs, such as fluconazole and ketoconazole, on fungi is carbon; no organic carbon;

based on this difference in membrane sterols. obligate many obligate anaerobes
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anaerobes
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There are two types of fungi: yeasts and molds. Yeasts

grow as single cells that reproduce by asexual budding.
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398 PART V Mycology
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Molds grow as long filaments (hyphae) and form a mat Some important conidia are (1) arthrospores,1 which arise
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(mycelium). Some hyphae form transverse walls (septate by fragmentation of the ends of hyphae and are the mode

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hyphae), whereas others do not (nonseptate hyphae). of transmission of Coccidioides immitis; (2) chlamydo-
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Nonseptate hyphae are multinucleated (coenocytic). The spores, which are rounded, thick-walled, and quite resis-
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growth of hyphae occurs by extension of the tip of the tant (the terminal chlamydospores of C. albicans aid in its
hypha, not by cell division all along the filament. identification); (3) blastospores, which are formed by the
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Several medically important fungi are thermally dimor- budding process by which yeasts reproduce asexually
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phic (i.e., they form different structures at different tem-
peratures). They exist as molds in the environment at
ambient temperature and as yeasts (or other structures) in
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(some yeasts, e.g., C. albicans, can form multiple buds that
do not detach, thus producing sausagelike chains called
pseudohyphae, which can be used for identification); and
(4) sporangiospores, which are formed within a sac (spo-

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human tissues at body temperature.
Most fungi are obligate aerobes; some are facultative rangium) on a stalk by molds such as Rhizopus and Mucor.
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anaerobes; but none are obligate anaerobes. All fungi Although this book focuses on the fungi that are human
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require a preformed organic source of carbon—hence their pathogens, it should be remembered that fungi are used in
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frequent association with decaying matter. The natural the production of important foods (e.g., bread, cheese,
habitat of most fungi is, therefore, the environment. An wine, and beer). Fungi are also responsible for the spoilage
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important exception is Candida albicans, which is part of of certain foods. Because molds can grow in a drier, more
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the normal human flora. acidic, and higher osmotic pressure environment than bac-
Some fungi reproduce sexually by mating and forming teria, they tend to be involved in the spoilage of fruits,
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sexual spores (e.g., zygospores, ascospores, and basidio- grains, vegetables, and jams.
spores). Zygospores are single large spores with thick walls;
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ascospores are formed in a sac called ascus; and basidio-
spores are formed externally on the tip of a pedestal called PATHOGENESIS
a basidium. The classification of these fungi is based on
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The response to infection with many fungi is the formation of
their sexual spores. Fungi that do not form sexual spores granulomas. Granulomas are produced in the major systemic
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are termed “imperfect” and are classified as fungi fungal diseases (e.g., coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, and
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imperfecti. blastomycosis, as well as several others). The cell-mediated
Most fungi of medical interest propagate asexually by
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immune response is involved in granuloma formation. Acute
forming conidia (asexual spores) from the sides or ends of suppuration, characterized by the presence of neutrophils in the
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specialized structures (Figure 47–1). The shape, color, and exudate, also occurs in certain fungal diseases such as aspergil-
arrangement of conidia aid in the identification of fungi.
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losis and sporotrichosis. Fungi do not have endotoxin in their
cell walls and do not produce bacterial-type exotoxins.
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Activation of the cell-mediated immune system results
in a delayed hypersensitivity skin test response to certain
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fungal antigens injected intradermally. A positive skin test
indicates exposure to the fungal antigen. It does not imply
current infection, because the exposure may have occurred
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in the past. A negative skin test makes the diagnosis
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unlikely unless the patient is immunocompromised.
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A B C Because most people carry Candida as part of the normal
flora, skin testing with Candida antigens can be used to
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determine whether cell-mediated immunity is normal. fre

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The transmission and geographic locations of some
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important fungi are described in Table 47–2.

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Intact skin is an effective host defense against certain

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fungi (e.g., Candida, dermatophytes), but if the skin is dam-

aged, organisms can become established. Fatty acids in the
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skin inhibit dermatophyte growth, and hormone-associ-

ated skin changes at puberty limit ringworm of the scalp
D E F
caused by Trichophyton. The normal flora of the skin and
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FIGURE 47–1  Asexual spores. A: Blastoconidia and pseudohy- mucous membranes suppress fungi. When the normal flora
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phae (Candida). B: Chlamydospores (Candida). C: Arthrospores is inhibited (e.g., by antibiotics), overgrowth of fungi such
(Coccidioides). D: Sporangia and sporangiospores (Mucor). E: Microco- as C. albicans can occur.
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nidia (Aspergillus). F: Microconidia and macroconidia (Microsporum).

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(Reproduced with permission from Conant NF et al. Manual of Clinical Mycology.

1
3rd ed. Saunders; 1971.) The term spores can be replaced with conidia (e.g., arthroconidia).
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CHAPTER 47  Basic Mycology 399
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TABLE 47–2  Transmission and Geographic Location of Some Important Fungi
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Form of Organism

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Genus Habitat Transmitted Portal of Entry Endemic Geographic Location

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Coccidioides Soil Arthrospores Inhalation into lungs Southwestern United States and
Latin America
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Histoplasma Soil (associated with Microconidia Inhalation into lungs Mississippi and Ohio River valleys in
bird feces) United States; many other
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countries
Blastomyces Soil Microconidia Inhalation into lungs States east of Mississippi River in
United States; Africa
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Paracoccidioides Soil Uncertain Inhalation into lungs Latin America
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Cryptococcus Soil (associated with Yeast Inhalation into lungs Worldwide

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pigeon feces)
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Aspergillus Soil and vegetation Conidia Inhalation into lungs Worldwide
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Candida Human body Yeast Normal flora of skin, mouth, gas- Worldwide
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trointestinal tract, and vagina
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In the respiratory tract, the important host defenses are the LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS
mucous membranes of the nasopharynx, which trap inhaled
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fungal spores, and alveolar macrophages. Circulating IgG and
IgM are produced in response to fungal infection, but their
role in protection from disease is uncertain. The cell-mediated
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There are four approaches to the laboratory diagnosis of
fungal diseases: (1) direct microscopic examination, (2) cul-
ture of the organism, (3) DNA probe tests, and (4) serologic

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immune response is protective; its suppression can lead to tests. Direct microscopic examination of clinical specimens
such as sputum, lung biopsy material, and skin scrapings
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reactivation and dissemination of asymptomatic fungal infec-
tions and to disease caused by opportunistic fungi. depends on finding characteristic asexual spores, hyphae, or
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yeasts in the light microscope. The specimen is either treated
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with 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) to dissolve tissue
FUNGAL TOXINS & ALLERGIES material, leaving the alkali-resistant fungi intact, or stained
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with special fungal stains. Some examples of diagnostically
In addition to mycotic infections, there are two other kinds
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important findings made by direct examination are (1) the
of fungal disease: (1) mycotoxicoses, caused by ingested
spherules of C. immitis and (2) the wide capsule of Crypto-
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toxins, and (2) allergies to fungal spores. The best-known
coccus neoformans seen in India ink preparations of spinal
mycotoxicosis occurs after eating Amanita mushrooms.
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fluid. Calcofluor white is a fluorescent dye that binds to
These fungi produce five toxins, two of which—amanitin
fungal cell walls and is useful in the identification of fungi in
and phalloidin—are among the most potent hepatotoxins.
tissue specimens. Methenamine silver stain is also useful in
The toxicity of amanitin is based on its ability to inhibit cel-
the microscopic diagnosis of fungi in tissue.
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lular RNA polymerase, which prevents mRNA synthesis.
Fungi are frequently cultured on Sabouraud’s agar,
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Another mycotoxicosis, ergotism, is caused by the mold
which facilitates the appearance of the slow-growing fungi
Claviceps purpurea, which infects grains and produces alka-
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by inhibiting the growth of bacteria in the specimen. Inhi-
loids (e.g., ergotamine and lysergic acid diethylamide [LSD])
bition of bacterial growth is due to the low pH of the
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that cause pronounced vascular and neurologic effects.

medium and to the penicillin, streptomycin, and cyclohexi- fre
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Other ingested toxins, aflatoxins, are coumarin derivatives

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mide that are frequently added. The appearance of the
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produced by Aspergillus flavus that cause liver damage and

mycelium and the nature of the asexual spores are fre-
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tumors in animals and are suspected of causing hepatic carci-

quently sufficient to identify the organism.
noma in humans. Aflatoxins are ingested with spoiled grains
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Tests involving DNA probes can identify colonies grow-

and peanuts and are metabolized by the liver to the epoxide, a
ing in culture at an earlier stage of growth than can tests
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potent carcinogen. Aflatoxin B1 induces a mutation in the p53

based on visual detection of the colonies. As a result, the
tumor suppressor gene, leading to a loss of p53 protein and a
diagnosis can be made more rapidly. At present, DNA
consequent loss of growth control in the hepatocyte.
probe tests are available for Coccidioides, Histoplasma, Blas-
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Allergies to fungal spores, particularly those of Aspergil-

tomyces, and Cryptococcus.
lus, are manifested primarily by an asthmatic reaction
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Tests for the presence of antibodies in the patient’s

(rapid bronchoconstriction mediated by IgE), eosinophilia,
serum or spinal fluid are useful in diagnosing systemic
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and a “wheal and flare” skin test reaction. These clinical

mycoses but less so in diagnosing other fungal infections.
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findings are caused by an immediate hypersensitivity

As is the case for bacterial and viral serologic testing,
response to the fungal spores.
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400 PART V Mycology
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TABLE 47–3  Mechanism of Action and Adverse Effects of Antifungal Drugs
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Usage Name of Drug Mechanism of Action Important Adverse Reactions

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Systemic use (intravenous, oral) Amphotericin B Binds to ergosterol and disrupts Renal toxicity, fever, and chills; moni-
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fungal cell membranes tor kidney function; use test dose;
liposomal preparation reduces
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toxicity
  Azoles such as fluconazole, Inhibits ergosterol synthesis Ketoconazole inhibits human cyto-
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ketoconazole, itraconazole, chrome P450; this decreases synthe-
voriconazole, posaconazole sis of gonadal steroids resulting in
gynecomastia
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  Echinocandins such as caspo- Inhibits synthesis of d-glucan, a Well-tolerated
fungin, micafungin component of fungal cell wall
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  Flucytosine (FC) Inhibits DNA synthesis; FC con- Bone marrow toxicity
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verted to fluorouracil, which
inhibits thymidine synthetase
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  Griseofulvin Disrupts mitotic spindle by bind- Liver toxicity
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ing to tubulin
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Topical use (skin only); too toxic Azoles such as clotrimazole, Inhibits ergosterol synthesis Well-tolerated on skin
for systemic use miconazole
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  Terbinafine Inhibits ergosterol synthesis Well-tolerated on skin
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  Tolnaftate Inhibits ergosterol synthesis Well-tolerated on skin
  Nystatin Binds to ergosterol and disrupts Well-tolerated on skin
fungal cell membranes
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a significant rise in the antibody titer must be observed to The most effective antifungal drugs, amphotericin B
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confirm a diagnosis. The complement fixation test is most and the various azoles, exploit the presence of ergosterol
frequently used in suspected cases of coccidioidomycosis, in fungal cell membranes that is not found in bacterial or
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histoplasmosis, and blastomycosis. In cryptococcal menin- human cell membranes. Amphotericin B (Fungizone)
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gitis, the presence of the polysaccharide capsular antigens disrupts fungal cell membranes at the site of ergosterol
of C. neoformans in the spinal fluid can be detected by the and azole drugs inhibit the synthesis of ergosterol, which
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latex agglutination test. is an essential component of fungal membranes. Another
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antifungal drug, caspofungin (Cancidas), inhibits the
synthesis of β-glucan, which is found in fungal cell walls
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ANTIFUNGAL THERAPY but not in bacterial cell walls. Human cells do not have a
The drugs used to treat bacterial diseases have no effect on cell wall.
fungal diseases. For example, penicillins and aminoglyco- The mode of action of these drugs is described in
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sides inhibit the growth of many bacteria but do not affect Chapter 10. Table 47–3 summarizes the mode of action and
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the growth of fungi. This difference is explained by the the important adverse effects of the major antifungal drugs.
Clinically significant resistance to antifungal drugs is uncom-
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presence of certain structures in bacteria (e.g., peptidogly-
can and 70S ribosomes) that are absent in fungi. mon. Resistance to azole drugs is rare but is increasing.
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PEARLS
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Structure & Growth •  Some fungi are dimorphic (i.e., they can exist either as yeasts
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or molds, depending on the temperature). At room tempera-

•  Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that exist in two basic forms:
ture (e.g., 25°C), dimorphic fungi are molds, whereas at body
yeasts and molds. Yeasts are single cells, whereas molds con-
temperature they are yeasts (or some other form such as a
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sist of long filaments of cells called hyphae. Yeasts reproduce
spherule).
by budding, a process in which the daughter cells are unequal
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•  The fungal cell wall is made of chitin; the bacterial cell wall is
in size, whereas molds reproduce by cell division (daughter
made of peptidoglycan. Therefore, antibiotics that inhibit
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cells are equal in size).

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CHAPTER 47  Basic Mycology 401
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peptidoglycan synthesis such as penicillins, cephalosporins, Amanitin inhibits the RNA polymerase that synthesizes cellu-
and vancomycin are not effective against fungi. lar mRNA.

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•  The fungal cell membrane contains ergosterol, whereas the •  Ingestion of peanuts and grains contaminated with A. flavus
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bacterial cell membrane does not contain ergosterol. There- causes liver cancer due to the presence of aflatoxin. Aflatoxin
fore, antibiotics that inhibit ergosterol synthesis (e.g., the azole epoxide induces a mutation in the p53 gene that results in a
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drugs) are not effective against bacteria. Similarly, amphoteri- loss of the p53 tumor suppressor protein.
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cin B that binds to fungal cell membranes at the site of ergos-
terol is not effective against bacteria.
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•  Inhalation of the spores of Aspergillus fumigatus can cause
allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. This is an IgE-
mediated immediate hypersensitivity response.

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Pathogenesis
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•  Infection with certain systemic fungi, such as Histoplasma and Laboratory Diagnosis

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Coccidioides, elicits a granulomatous host defense response
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•  Microscopic examination of a KOH preparation can reveal the
(composed of macrophages and helper T cells). Infection with presence of fungal structures. The purpose of the KOH is to dis-
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other fungi, notably Aspergillus, Mucor, and Sporothrix, elicits a solve the human cells, allowing visualization of the fungi.
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pyogenic response (composed of neutrophils). •  Sabouraud’s agar is often used to grow fungi because its low
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•  Infection with the systemic fungi, such as Histoplasma and Coc-

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pH inhibits the growth of bacteria, allowing the slower-grow-
cidioides, can be detected by using skin tests. An antigen ing fungi to emerge.
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extracted from the organism injected intradermally elicits a •  DNA probes can be used to identify fungi growing in culture at
delayed hypersensitivity reaction, manifested as induration
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a much earlier stage (i.e., when the colony size is much smaller).
(thickening) of the skin. Note that a positive skin test only indi-
•  Tests for the presence of fungal antigens and for the presence
cates that infection has occurred, but it is not known whether
of antibodies to fungal antigens are often used. Two commonly
that infection occurred in the past or at the present time.
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used tests are those for cryptococcal antigen in spinal fluid and
Therefore, a positive skin test does not indicate that the disease
for Coccidioides antibodies in the patient’s serum.
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the patient has now is caused by that organism. Note also that
a false-negative skin test can occur in patients with reduced
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cell-mediated immunity, such as those with a low CD4 count. Antifungal Therapy
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To determine whether the patient can mount a delayed hyper- •  The selective toxicity of amphotericin B and the azole group of
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sensitivity response, a control skin test with a common antigen, drugs is based on the presence of ergosterol in fungal cell mem-
such as C. albicans, can be used. branes, in contrast to the cholesterol found in human cell mem-
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•  Reduced cell-mediated immunity predisposes to disseminated branes and the absence of sterols in bacterial cell membranes.
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disease caused by the systemic fungi, such as Histoplasma and •  Amphotericin B binds to fungal cell membranes at the site of
Coccidioides, whereas a reduced number of neutrophils predis- ergosterol and disrupts the integrity of the membranes.
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poses to disseminated disease caused by fungi such as Asper- •  Azole drugs, such as itraconazole, fluconazole, and ketocon-
gillus and Mucor. azole, inhibit the synthesis of ergosterol.
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•  The selective toxicity of echinocandins, such as caspofungin, is
Fungal Toxins & Allergies based on the presence of a cell wall in fungi, whereas human
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•  Ingestion of Amanita mushrooms causes liver necrosis due to cells do not have a cell wall. Echinocandins inhibit the synthesis
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the presence of two fungal toxins, amanitin and phalloidin. of d-glucan, which is a component of the fungal cell wall.
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SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS 2. Regarding fungal pathogenesis, which one of the following is most
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accurate?
1. Regarding the structure and reproduction of fungi, which one of (A) Ingestion of Amanita mushrooms typically causes kidney
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the following is most accurate? failure.

(A) Peptidoglycan is an important component of the cell wall of
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(B) The host response to infection by the systemic fungi, such as

fungi. Histoplasma and Coccidioides, consists of granulomas
(B) Molds are fungi that grow as single cells and reproduce by formation.
budding. (C) The fever seen in systemic fungal infections is caused by
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(C) Some fungi are dimorphic (i.e., they are yeasts at room tem- endotoxin-induced release of interlukin-1.
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perature and molds at body temperature). (D) Ingestion of aflatoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus can cause
(D) The fungal cell membrane contains ergosterol, whereas the adenocarcinoma of the colon.
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human cell membrane contains cholesterol. (E) A positive result in the skin test to fungal antigens, such as coc-
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(E) As most fungi are anaerobic, they should be cultured under cidioidin, is caused by an immediate hypersensitivity reaction.
anaerobic conditions in the clinical laboratory.
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402 PART V Mycology
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3. Regarding the mode of action of antifungal drugs, which one of PRACTICE QUESTIONS: USMLE &
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the following is most accurate?
(A) Azole drugs, such as fluconazole, act by inhibiting ergosterol COURSE EXAMINATIONS

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synthesis.

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Questions on the topics discussed in this chapter can be found
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(B) Amphotericin B acts by inhibiting fungal protein syntheses at
in the Mycology section of Part XIII: USMLE (National Board)
the 40S ribosomal subunit.
Practice Questions starting on page 728. Also see Part XIV:
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(C) Terbinafine acts by inhibiting fungal DNA synthesis but has no
effect on DNA synthesis in human cells. USMLE (National Board) Practice Examination starting on
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(D) Echinocandins, such as caspofungin, act by inhibiting messen- page 751.
ger RNA synthesis in yeasts but not in molds.
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ANSWERS
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1. (D)
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48
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C H A P T E R
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Cutaneous & Subcutaneous
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Mycoses
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CHAPTER CONTENTS
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Introduction Chromomycosis
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Cutaneous Mycoses Mycetoma
Dermatophytoses Self-Assessment Questions
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Tinea Versicolor Summaries of Organisms
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Tinea Nigra Practice Questions: USMLE & Course Examinations
Subcutaneous Mycoses
Sporotrichosis
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INTRODUCTION subcutaneous mycoses are discussed in this chapter, and
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important features of the causative organisms are
Medical mycoses can be divided into four categories: (1) described in Table 48–2. The systemic and opportunistic
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cutaneous, (2) subcutaneous, (3) systemic, and (4) mycoses are discussed in Chapters 49 and 50,
opportunistic. Some features of the important fungal respectively.
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diseases are described in Table 48–1. Cutaneous and
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TABLE 48–1  Features of Important Fungal Diseases
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Type Anatomic Location Representative Disease Genus of Causative Organism(s) Seriousness of Illness1
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Cutaneous Dead layer of skin Tinea versicolor Malassezia 1+
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  Epidermis, hair, nails Dermatophytosis (ringworm) Microsporum, Trichophyton, Epidermophyton 2+

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Subcutaneous Subcutis Sporotrichosis Sporothrix 2+

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    Mycetoma Several genera 2+

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Systemic Internal organs Coccidioidomycosis Coccidioides 4+

    Histoplasmosis Histoplasma 4+
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    Blastomycosis Blastomyces 4+
    Paracoccidioidomycosis Paracoccidioides 4+
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Opportunistic Internal organs Cryptococcosis Cryptococcus 4+

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    Candidiasis Candida 2+ to 4+
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    Aspergillosis Aspergillus 4+
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    Mucormycosis Mucor, Rhizopus 4+

1
1+ = not serious, treatment may or may not be given; 2+ = moderately serious, treatment often given; 4+ = serious, treatment given especially in disseminated disease.
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404 PART V Mycology
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TABLE 48–2  Important Features of Skin and Subcutaneous Fungal Diseases
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Forms in Tissue Seen

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Genus by Microscopy Mode of Transmission Important Clinical Findings Laboratory Diagnosis

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Trichophyton, Hyphae Human to human Tinea capitis, tinea pedis, etc., Potassium hydroxide (KOH)
Epidermophyton “ringworm” Ring of inflammatory, prep shows septate
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pruritic vesicles with a healing hyphae culture on Sab-
center ouraud’s agar
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Microsporum Hyphae Animal to human as well as Tinea capitis, tinea pedis, etc., KOH prep shows septate
human to human “ringworm” Ring of inflammatory, hyphae culture on Sab-
pruritic vesicles with a healing center ouraud’s agar
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Malassezia Hyphae and yeasts Human to human Scaly plaques on trunk; often KOH prep shows mixture of
hypopigmented; often nonpruritic hyphae and yeasts
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Sporothrix Yeasts Penetrating lesion in gar- Pustule or ulcer on hands often with KOH prep shows cigar-
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den implants fungal nodules on arms shaped yeasts culture at
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spores, e.g., rose thorn 20°C shows hyphae with
daisy-like conidia
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CUTANEOUS MYCOSES contain hyphae. Patients with tinea infections show positive
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skin tests with fungal extracts (e.g., trichophytin).
Dermatophytoses Scrapings of skin or nail placed in 10% potassium
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Dermatophytoses are caused by fungi (dermatophytes)
that infect only superficial keratinized structures (skin,
hair, and nails), not deeper tissues. The most important
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hydroxide (KOH) on a glass slide show septate hyphae
under microscopy. Cultures on Sabouraud’s agar at room
temperature develop typical hyphae and conidia. Tinea

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dermatophytes are classified in three genera: Trichophyton, capitis lesions caused by Microsporum species can be
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Epidermophyton, and Microsporum. They are spread from detected by seeing fluorescence when the lesions are
infected persons by direct contact. Microsporum is also exposed to ultraviolet light from a Wood’s lamp.
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spread from animals such as dogs and cats. This indicates Treatment involves local antifungal creams, such as (ter-
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that to prevent reinfection, the animal must be treated also. binafine (Lamisil), undecylenic acid (Desenex), micon-
Dermatophytoses (tinea, ringworm) are chronic infec- azole (Micatin), or tolnaftate (Tinactin). Oral griseofulvin
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tions often located in the warm, humid areas of the body (Fulvicin) or oral itraconazole (Sporanox) can also be used.
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(e.g., athlete’s foot and jock itch).1 Typical ringworm lesions Tinea unguium can be treated with efinaconazole solution
applied topically to the nails. Prevention centers on keeping
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have an inflamed circular border containing papules and

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vesicles surrounding a clear area of relatively normal skin. skin dry and cool.
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The lesions are typically pruritic. Broken hairs and dam-
aged nails are often seen. The disease is typically named for
the affected body part (i.e., tinea capitis [head], tinea cor-
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poris [body], tinea cruris [groin], and tinea pedis [foot])
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(Figure 48–1). Tinea unguium, also called onychomycosis,
is a disease of the nails, especially toe nails. The nails
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become thickened, broken, and discolored.
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Trichophyton tonsurans is the most common cause of out-

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breaks of tinea capitis in children and is the main cause of

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endothrix (inside the hair) infections. Trichophyton rubrum is

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also a very common cause of tinea capitis. Trichophyton

schoenleinii is the cause of favus, a form of tinea capitis in
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which crusts are seen on the scalp. Trichophyton species also

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cause an inflammatory pustular lesion on the scalp called a

kerion. The marked inflammation is caused by an intense
T-cell–mediated reaction to the presence of the fungus.
In some infected persons, hypersensitivity causes dermato-
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FIGURE 48–1  Tinea corporis (ringworm). Note oval, ring-shaped

phytid (“id”) reactions (e.g., vesicles on the fingers). Id lesions
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inflamed lesion with central clearing. Caused by dermatophytes such as

are a response to circulating fungal antigens; the lesions do not Epidermophyton, Trichophyton, and Microsporum. (Reproduced with permis-
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sion from Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Kasper DL et al, eds. Harrison’s Principles of Internal Med-
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1 icine. 17th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2008. Copyright © 2008 by The McGraw-Hill
These infections are also known as tinea pedis and tinea cruris,
respectively. Companies, Inc.)
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CHAPTER 48  Cutaneous & Subcutaneous Mycoses 405
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Tinea Versicolor In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected
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patients with low CD4 counts, disseminated sporotrichosis
Tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor), a superficial skin

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can occur. Sporotrichosis occurs most often in gardeners,
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infection of cosmetic importance only, is caused by Malas-

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especially those who prune roses, because they may be
sezia species. The lesions are usually noticed as hypopig-
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stuck by a rose thorn.
mented areas, especially on tanned skin in the summer.
In the clinical laboratory, round or cigar-shaped bud-
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There may be slight scaling or itching, but usually the infec-
ding yeasts are seen in tissue specimens. In culture at room
tion is asymptomatic. It occurs more frequently in hot,
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temperature, hyphae occur bearing oval conidia in clusters
humid weather. The lesions contain both budding yeast
at the tip of slender conidiophores (resembling a daisy).
cells and hyphae. Diagnosis is usually made by observing
The drug of choice for skin lesions is itraconazole (Spo-
this mixture in KOH preparations of skin scrapings. Cul-
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ranox). It can be prevented by protecting skin when touch-
ture is not usually done. The treatment of choice is topical
ing plants, moss, and wood.
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miconazole, but the lesions have a tendency to recur. Oral

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antifungal drugs, such as fluconazole or itraconazole, can
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be used to treat recurrences. Chromomycosis
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This is a slowly progressive granulomatous infection that is
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Tinea Nigra
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caused by several soil fungi (Fonsecaea, Phialophora, Clado-
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sporium, etc.) when introduced into the skin through

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Tinea nigra is an infection of the keratinized layers of the
trauma. These fungi are collectively called dematiaceous
skin. It appears as a brownish spot caused by the melanin-
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fungi, so named because their conidia or hyphae are dark-
like pigment in the hyphae. The causative organism, Clado-
colored, either gray or black. Wartlike lesions with crusting
sporium werneckii, is found in the soil and transmitted
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abscesses extend along the lymphatics. The disease occurs
during injury. In the United States, the disease is seen in the
mainly in the tropics and is found on bare feet and legs. In
southern states. Diagnosis is made by microscopic exami-
the clinical laboratory, dark brown, round fungal cells are
nation and culture of skin scrapings. The infection is
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seen in leukocytes or giant cells. The disease is treated with
treated with a topical keratolytic agent (e.g., salicylic acid).
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oral flucytosine or thiabendazole, plus local surgery.
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SUBCUTANEOUS MYCOSES Mycetoma
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These are caused by fungi that grow in soil and on vegeta- Soil fungi (Petriellidium, Madurella) enter through wounds
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tion and are introduced into subcutaneous tissue through on the feet, hands, or back and cause abscesses, with pus
discharged through sinuses. The pus contains compact
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trauma.
colored granules. Actinomycetes such as Nocardia can
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cause similar lesions (actinomycotic mycetoma). Sulfon-
Sporotrichosis
amides may help the actinomycotic form. There is no effec-
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Sporothrix schenckii is a dimorphic fungus. The mold form tive drug against the fungal form; surgical excision is
lives on plants, and the yeast form occurs in human tissue. recommended.
When spores of the mold are introduced into the skin, typi-
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cally by a thorn, it causes a local pustule or ulcer with nod-
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ules along the draining lymphatics (Figure 48–2). The
lesions are typically painless, and there is little systemic SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS
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illness. Untreated lesions may wax and wane for years. 1. Regarding ringworm and the dermatophytes, which one of the fol-
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lowing is most accurate?

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(A) The dermatophytes are molds and are not thermally

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dimorphic.
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(B) The drug of choice for the treatment of ringworm lesions is

amphotericin B.
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(C) The purpose of the KOH prep is to observe fungal antigens

within infected cells.
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(D) The dermatophytid reaction refers to the necrotic area typically

seen in the center of ringworm lesions.
(E) The principal reservoir of dermatophytes in the genus Tricho-
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phyton is domestic animals such as dogs and cats.

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FIGURE 48–2  Sporotrichosis. Note papular lesions on left 2. Regarding sporotrichosis and Sporothrix schenckii, which one of
hand and forearm. Caused by Sporothrix schenckii. (Reproduced with per- the following is most accurate?
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mission from Wolff K, Johnson R. Fitzpatrick’s Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Derma- (A) The main reservoir of Sporothrix is dog feces.
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tology. 6th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2009. Copyright © 2009 by The McGraw-Hill (B) Laboratory diagnosis involves seeing a nonseptate mold in an
Companies, Inc.) aspirate of the lesion.
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406 PART V Mycology
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(C) Sporothrix is often acquired by penetrating wounds sustained ANSWERS
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while gardening.
(D) The treatment of choice for sporotrichosis is surgical removal 1. (A)

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of the lesion because there is no effective drug. 2. (C)

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3. (B)
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(E) Disease occurs primarily in patients who are deficient in the
late-acting complement components. 4. (D)
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3. Your patient is a 65-year-old woman with a 2-cm ulcerated lesion
on the palm of her hand that has been gradually getting bigger
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during the past month. The lesion is only slightly tender and is not SUMMARIES OF ORGANISMS
red, hot, or painful. A careful history reveals that she was mak-
Brief summaries of the organisms described in this chapter
ing holly wreaths for use at Christmas. (Holly leaves have sharp
begin on page 679. Please consult these summaries for a rapid
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points.) She is afebrile and otherwise well. An aspirate of the lesion
was obtained. Which one of the following would best support a review of the essential material.
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diagnosis of sporotrichosis?

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(A) A culture on blood agar at 25°C revealed white, beta-hemolytic
PRACTICE QUESTIONS: USMLE &
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colonies.
(B) A methenamine silver stain examined in the light microscope COURSE EXAMINATIONS
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revealed budding yeasts.
Questions on the topics discussed in this chapter can be found
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(C) A KOH preparation examined in the light microscope revealed

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septate hyphae. in the Mycology section of Part XIII: USMLE (National Board)
Practice Questions starting on page 728. Also see Part XIV:
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(D) A culture on Sabouraud’s agar at 37°C revealed a brownish
mycelium with green spores. USMLE (National Board) Practice Examination starting on
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(E) An unstained sample examined in the dark field microscope page 751.
revealed non-septate hyphae.
4. Your patient is a 10-year-old boy with tinea pedis (athlete’s feet).
Which one of the following is the best choice of drug to treat his
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infection?
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(A) Amphotericin B
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(B) Caspofungin
(C) Flucytosine
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(D) Terbinafine
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49
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C H A P T E R
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Systemic Mycoses
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CHAPTER CONTENTS
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Introduction Paracoccidioides
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Coccidioides Self-Assessment Questions
Histoplasma Summaries of Organisms
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Blastomyces Practice Questions: USMLE & Course Examinations
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INTRODUCTION endemic fungi because they are endemic (localized) to cer-
tain geographic areas.
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These infections result from inhalation of the spores of
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dimorphic fungi that have their mold forms in the soil.
Within the lungs, the spores differentiate into yeasts or
COCCIDIOIDES
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other specialized forms, such as spherules.
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Most lung infections are asymptomatic and self-limited. Disease
However, in some persons, disseminated disease develops
Coccidioides immitis causes coccidioidomycosis.
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in which the organisms grow in other organs, cause
destructive lesions, and may result in death. Infected per-
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sons do not communicate these diseases to others. Properties
Important features of the systemic fungal diseases are Coccodioides immitis is a dimorphic fungus that exists as a
described in Table 49–1. Systemic fungi are also called mold in soil and as a spherule in tissue (Figure 49–1).
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TABLE 49–1  Important Features of Systemic Fungal Diseases
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Form in Tissue Seen

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Genus by Microscopy Geographic Location Important Clinical Findings Laboratory Diagnosis
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Coccidioides Spherule Southwestern United Valley fever in immunocompetent; Culture at 20°C grows mold with
States and Latin America dissemination to bone and menin- arthrospores; serologic test for
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ges in immunocompromised, IgM and IgG

pregnant women, African Ameri-
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cans, and Filipinos

Histoplasma Yeasts within Ohio and Mississippi River Cavitary lung lesions; granulomas in Culture at 20°C grows mold with
macrophages valleys; worldwide; asso- liver and spleen; pancytopenia tuberculate macroconidia;
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ciated with bird and bat and tongue ulcer in serologic test for IgM and IgG;
guano immunocompromised urinary antigen
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Blastomyces Yeasts with single Central and southeastern Ulcerated lesions of the skin Culture at 20°C grows mold
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broad-based bud United States; Africa

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Paracoccidioides Yeasts with multiple Latin America, especially Ulcerated lesions of the face and Culture at 20°C grows mold;
buds Brazil mouth serologic test for IgM and IgG
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407
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408 PART V Mycology
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Arthrospores
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Spherule with
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endospores
A B
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FIGURE 49–1  Stages of Coccidioides immitis. A: Arthrospores form at the ends of hyphae in the soil. They germinate in the soil to
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form new hyphae. If inhaled, the arthrospores differentiate into spherules. B: Endospores form within spherules in tissue. When spherules
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rupture, endospores disseminate and form new spherules. (Reproduced with permission from Brooks GF et al. Medical Microbiology. 20th ed. Originally pub-
lished by Appleton & Lange. Copyright 1995 McGraw-Hill.)
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Transmission & Epidemiology of the wall, endospores are released and differentiate to
form new spherules. The organism can spread within a
The fungus is endemic in arid regions of the southwestern
person by direct extension or via the bloodstream. Granu-
United States and Latin America. People who live in Cen-
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lomatous lesions can occur in virtually any organ but are
tral and Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Western
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found primarily in bones and the central nervous system
Texas, and Northern Mexico, a geographic region called the
(meningitis).
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Lower Sonoran Life Zone, are often infected. In soil, it forms
Dissemination from the lungs to other organs occurs in
hyphae with alternating arthrospores and empty cells
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people who have a defect in cell-mediated immunity. Most
(Figure 49–2). Arthrospores are very light and are carried by
people who are infected by C. immitis develop a cell-
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the wind. They can be inhaled and infect the lungs.
mediated (delayed hypersensitivity) immune response that
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restricts the growth of the organism. One way to determine
Pathogenesis whether a person has produced adequate cell-mediated
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In the lungs, arthrospores form spherules that are large immunity to the organism is to do a skin test (see later). In
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(30 mm in diameter), have a thick, doubly refractive wall, general, a person who has a positive skin test reaction has
and are filled with endospores (Figure 49–3). Upon rupture developed sufficient immunity to prevent disseminated
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FIGURE 49–2  Coccidioides immitis—arthrospores. Barrel- FIGURE 49–3  Coccidioides immitis—spherule. Long arrow
shaped, rectangular arthrospores appear blue with lactophenol points to a spherule in lung tissue. Spherules are large thick-walled
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-cotton blue stain. Arthrospores are also called arthroconidia. structures containing many endospores. Short arrow points to an
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(Source: Dr. Hardin, Public Health Image Library, Centers for Disease Control and endospore. (Source: Dr. L. Georg, Public Health Image Library, Centers for Disease
Prevention.) Control and Prevention.)
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CHAPTER 49  Systemic Mycoses 409
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c
e.

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e.

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disease from occurring. If, at a later time, a person’s cellular Fluconazole is also effective in lung disease. If meningitis
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immunity is suppressed by drugs or disease, disseminated occurs, fluconazole is the drug of choice. Intrathecal

sf
disease can occur. amphotericin B may be required and may induce remis-
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sion, but long-term results are often poor. There are no
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means of prevention except avoiding travel to endemic
Clinical Findings areas. Patients who have recovered from coccidioidal men-
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Infection of the lungs is often asymptomatic and is evident ingitis should receive long-term suppressive therapy with
m

m
only by a positive skin test and the presence of antibodies. fluconazole to prevent a recurrence.
Some infected persons have an influenza-like illness with
fever and cough. About 50% have changes in the lungs
HISTOPLASMA
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om
(infiltrates, adenopathy, or effusions) as seen on chest
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X-ray, and 10% develop erythema nodosum (see later) or
Disease

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arthralgias. This syndrome is called “valley fever” (in the
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San Joaquin Valley of California) or “desert rheumatism” Histoplasma capsulatum causes histoplasmosis.
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(in Arizona); it tends to subside spontaneously.
Properties
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Disseminated disease can occur in almost any organ; the
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meninges (meningitis), bone (osteomyelitis), and skin Histoplasma capsulatum is a dimorphic fungus that exists
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(nodules) are important sites. The overall incidence of dis- as a mold in soil and as a yeast in tissue. It forms two types
semination in persons infected with C. immitis is 1%,
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of asexual spores (Figure 49–4): (1) tuberculate macroco-
although the incidence in Filipinos and African Americans nidia, with typical thick walls and fingerlike projections
m

is 10 times higher. Women in the third trimester of preg-
nancy also have a markedly increased incidence of dissemi-
nation. Erythema nodosum (EN) manifests as red, tender
m
m
that are important in laboratory identification; and (2)
microconidia, which are smaller, thin, smooth-walled
spores that, if inhaled, transmit the infection.

m
nodules (“desert bumps”) on extensor surfaces such as the
skin over the tibia and ulna. It is a delayed (cell-mediated)
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hypersensitivity response to fungal antigens and thus is an
Transmission & Epidemiology
e.

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e.

e.
indicator of a good prognosis. There are no organisms in This fungus occurs in many parts of the world. In the
United States, it is endemic in central and eastern states,
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these lesions; they are not a sign of disseminated disease.
EN is not specific for coccidioidomycosis; it occurs in other especially in the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys. It
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granulomatous diseases (e.g., histoplasmosis, tuberculosis, grows in soil, particularly if the soil is heavily contaminated
with bird droppings, especially from starlings. Although
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and leprosy).
In infected persons, skin tests with fungal extracts (coc- the birds are not infected, bats can be infected and can
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cidioidin or spherulin) cause at least a 5-mm induration excrete the organism in their guano. In areas of endemic
infection, excavation of the soil during construction or
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m
48 hours after injection (delayed hypersensitivity reaction).
Skin tests become positive within 2 to 4 weeks of infection exploration of bat-infested caves has resulted in a signifi-
and remain so for years but are often negative (anergy) in cant number of infected individuals.
patients with disseminated disease.
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Laboratory Diagnosis
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In tissue specimens, spherules are seen microscopically.
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Cultures on Sabouraud’s agar incubated at 25°C show sep- fre

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A
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tate hyphae with arthrospores (see Figure 49–2). (Caution:
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Cultures are highly infectious; precautions against inhaling

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arthrospores must be taken.) In serologic tests, IgM and

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IgG precipitins appear within 2 to 4 weeks of infection and

then decline in subsequent months. Complement-fixing B
m

antibodies occur at low titer initially, but the titer rises

greatly if dissemination occurs. A PCR assay that detects
nucleic acids of Coccidioides is available.
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Treatment & Prevention

FIGURE 49–4  Asexual spores of Histoplasma capsulatum.
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No treatment is needed in asymptomatic or mild primary A: Tuberculate macroconidia. B: Microconidia. (Reproduced with permis-
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infection. Amphotericin B (Fungizone) or itraconazole is sion from Brooks GF et al. Medical Microbiology. 19th ed. Originally published by
used for persisting lung lesions or disseminated disease. Appleton & Lange. Copyright 1991 McGraw-Hill.)
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410 PART V Mycology
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Histoplasma disseminated histoplasmosis develops in a small minority
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of infected persons, especially infants and individuals with

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reduced cell-mediated immunity, such as patients with
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acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In AIDS
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patients, pancytopenia and ulcerated lesions on the tongue
are typical of disseminated histoplasmosis. In immuno-
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competent people, EN can occur (see description of EN in
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m
earlier section on Coccidioides). EN is a sign that cell-
FIGURE 49–5  Histoplasma capsulatum. Yeasts are located mediated immunity is active and the organism will proba-
within the macrophage. (Reproduced with permission from Brooks GF et al.
bly be contained.
Medical Microbiology. 19th ed. Originally published by Appleton & Lange. Copyright
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1991 McGraw-Hill.)
A skin test using histoplasmin (a mycelial extract)
becomes positive (i.e., shows at least 5 mm of induration)
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within 2 to 3 weeks after infection and remains positive for
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In several tropical African countries, histoplasmosis many years. However, because there are many false-positive
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is caused by Histoplasma duboisii. The clinical picture is reactions (due to cross-reactivity) and many false-negative
different from that caused by H. capsulatum. A descrip- reactions (in disseminated disease), the skin test is not use-
sf

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tion of the differences between African histoplasmosis ful for diagnosis. Furthermore, the skin test can stimulate
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and that seen in the United States is beyond the scope of an antibody response and confuse the serologic tests. The
this book. skin test is useful for epidemiologic studies, and up to 90%
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of individuals have positive results in areas of endemic
Pathogenesis & Clinical Findings infection.
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Inhaled spores are engulfed by macrophages and develop
into yeast forms. In tissues, H. capsulatum occurs as an oval Laboratory Diagnosis
m

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budding yeast inside macrophages (Figures 49–5 and
In tissue biopsy specimens or bone marrow aspirates, oval
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49–6). The yeasts survive within the phagolysosome of the
yeast cells within macrophages are seen microscopically
macrophage by producing alkaline substances, such as
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(see Figure 49–6). Cultures on Sabouraud’s agar show
bicarbonate and ammonia, which raise the pH and thereby
hyphae with tuberculate macroconidia when grown at low
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inactivate the degradative enzymes of the phagolysosome.
temperature (e.g., 25°C) and yeasts when grown at 37°C.
The organisms spread widely throughout the body,
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Tests that detect a Histoplasma polysaccharide antigen by
especially to the liver and spleen, but most infections
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Histo-
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remain asymptomatic, and the small granulomatous foci
plasma RNA with DNA probes are also useful. In immuno-
heal by calcification. With intense exposure (e.g., in a
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compromised patients with disseminated disease, tests for
chicken house or bat-infested cave), pneumonia and cavi-
Histoplasma antigen in the urine are especially useful
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tary lung lesions may become clinically manifest. Severe
because antibody tests may be negative.
Two serologic tests are useful for diagnosis: comple-
ment fixation (CF) and immunodiffusion (ID). An anti-
m

m
body titer of 1:32 in the CF test with yeast phase antigens
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is considered to be diagnostic. However, cross-reactions
with other fungi, especially Blastomyces, occur. CF titers
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e.
fall when the disease becomes inactive and rise in dis-
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seminated disease. The ID test detects precipitating anti- fre

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bodies (precipitins) by forming two bands, M and H, in an
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agar-gel diffusion assay. The ID test is more specific but

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less sensitive than the CF test.

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Treatment & Prevention

m

No therapy is needed in asymptomatic or mild primary

infections. With progressive lung lesions, oral itraconazole
m

is effective. In disseminated disease, parenteral itraconazole

FIGURE 49–6  Histoplasma capsulatum—yeasts within mac-
(or amphotericin B) is the treatment of choice. Liposomal
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rophages. Arrow points to a macrophage containing several

purple-stained yeasts in the cytoplasm. Yeasts within macro- amphotericin B should be used in patients with preexisting
e.

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e.

e.

phages can be seen in many macrophages in this specimen of kidney damage. In meningitis, fluconazole is often used
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spleen. (Source: Dr. M. Hicklin, Public Health Image Library, Centers for Disease because it penetrates the spinal fluid well. Oral itraconazole
Control and Prevention.) is used for chronic suppression in patients with AIDS.
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CHAPTER 49  Systemic Mycoses 411
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There are no means of prevention except avoiding exposure
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in areas of endemic infection.

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BLASTOMYCES
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Disease
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Blastomyces dermatitidis causes blastomycosis, also known
as North American blastomycosis.
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Properties
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Blastomyces dermatitidis is a dimorphic fungus that exists
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as a mold in soil and as a yeast in tissue. The yeast is round
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with a doubly refractive wall and a single broad-based bud
(Figures 49–7 and 49–8). Note that this organism forms a FIGURE 49–8  Blastomyces dermatitidis—broad-based bud-
sf

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broad-based bud, whereas Cryptococcus neoformans is a ding yeast. Arrow points to the broad base of the budding yeast.
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yeast that forms a narrow-based bud. (Source: Dr. L. Ajello, Public Health Image Library, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.)
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Transmission & Epidemiology
m

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This fungus is endemic primarily in eastern North America, Laboratory Diagnosis
especially in the region bordering the Ohio, Mississippi, In tissue biopsy specimens, thick-walled yeast cells with
and St. Lawrence rivers, and the Great Lakes region. Less single broad-based buds are seen microscopically (see
m

m
commonly, blastomycosis has also occurred in Central and Figure 49–8). Hyphae with small pear-shaped conidia are
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South America, Africa, and the Middle East. It grows in visible on culture. The skin test lacks specificity and has
moist soil rich in organic material, forming hyphae with
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e.

e.

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little value. Serologic tests have little value. A PCR assay
small pear-shaped conidia. Inhalation of the conidia causes that detects nucleic acids of Blastomyces is available.
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human infection.
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Treatment & Prevention
Pathogenesis & Clinical Findings
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Itraconazole is the drug of choice for most patients, but
Infection occurs mainly via the respiratory tract. Asymp- amphotericin B should be used to treat severe disease. Sur-
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tomatic or mild cases are rarely recognized. Dissemina- gical excision may be helpful. There are no means of
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tion may result in ulcerated granulomas of skin, bone, or prevention.
other sites.
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Hyphae
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Microconidia
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A B
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FIGURE 49–7  Blastomyces dermatitidis. A: Yeast with a broad-based bud at 37°C. B: Mold with microconidia at 20°C. (Reproduced
with permission from Brooks GF et al. Medical Microbiology. 19th ed. Originally published by Appleton & Lange. Copyright 1991 McGraw-Hill.)
s

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412 PART V Mycology
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Skin tests are rarely helpful. Serologic testing shows that
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when significant antibody titers (by ID or CF) are found,

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active disease is present.
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FIGURE 49–9  Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Note the multiple
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buds of the yeast form of Paracoccidioides, in contrast to the single Treatment & Prevention
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bud of Blastomyces. The drug of choice is itraconazole taken orally for several
months. There are no means of prevention.
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PARACOCCIDIOIDES
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SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS
Disease
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1. Regarding coccidioidomycosis and C. immitis, which one of the

c
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis causes paracoccidioidomyco-
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following is most accurate?
sis, also known as South American blastomycosis.
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(A) C. immitis is a mold in the soil and a yeast in the body.
(B) The diagnosis of acute coccidioidomycosis can be made by
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f
Properties
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detecting IgM antibodies in the patient’s serum.
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Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a dimorphic fungus that (C) Travelers to the Philippines are at high risk of acquiring the
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exists as a mold in soil and as a yeast in tissue. The yeast is disease.
(D) The nodules of erythema nodosum are a typical finding in dis-
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thick-walled with multiple buds, in contrast to B. derma-
seminated coccidioidomycosis.
titidis, which has a single bud (Figures 49–9 and 49–10).
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m
(E) Infection typically occurs when arthrospores enter the skin
(e.g., through a wound caused by a rose thorn).
Transmission & Epidemiology 2. Regarding histoplasmosis and H. capsulatum, which one of the
This fungus grows in the soil and is endemic in rural Latin following is most accurate?
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America. Disease occurs only in that region. (A) In tissue biopsies, H. capsulatum is found as a yeast within
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macrophages.
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(B) The laboratory diagnosis is made by seeing germ tubes when
Pathogenesis & Clinical Findings incubated at 37°C.
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The spores are inhaled, and early lesions occur in the (C) Histoplasmosis occurs primarily in the tropical areas of Central
lungs. Asymptomatic infection is common. Alternatively, and South America.
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oral mucous membrane lesions, lymph node enlargement, (D) To prevent disease, people who live in endemic areas should
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and sometimes dissemination to many organs develop. receive the vaccine containing histoplasmin.
(E) Most infections are acquired by ingesting food accidentally
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contaminated with fungal spores from the soil.
Laboratory Diagnosis 3. Regarding B. dermatitidis, which one of the following is most
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m
In pus or tissues, yeast cells with multiple buds resembling accurate?
a “ship captain’s wheel” are seen microscopically. A speci- (A) It forms a mycelium in culture at 37°C in the clinical lab.
men cultured for 2 to 4 weeks may grow typical organisms. (B) Humoral immunity is the main host defense against this
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m
organism.
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(C) It causes a dermatophytid (“id”) reaction when it disseminates
to the skin.
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e.
(D) The most important virulence factor of this organism is endo-
re

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toxin in its cell wall.

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sf

(E) It is a dimorphic fungus that exists as a mold in the soil and a

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yeast in the body.
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4. Your patient is a 30-year-old woman who is in her third trimester

of pregnancy, is of Filipino origin, and lives in the Central Valley
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of California. She complains of severe low back pain of several

weeks in duration. An X-ray reveals a lesion in the fourth lumbar
m

vertebra. Material from a needle biopsy of the lesion is examined

by a pathologist who calls to tell you the patient has coccidioido-
mycosis. Of the following, which one did the pathologist see in the
m

biopsy?
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(A) Nonseptate hyphae

FIGURE 49–10  Paracoccidioides—yeasts with multiple buds (B) Septate hyphae
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resembling a “ship captain’s wheel.” Methenamine silver stain. (Source: (C) Spherules containing endospores
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Dr. Lucille Georg, Public Health Image Library, Centers for Disease Control and (D) Yeasts with a single bud
Prevention.) (E) Yeasts with multiple buds
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CHAPTER 49  Systemic Mycoses 413
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5. Your patient is a 30-year-old man who is human immunodeficiency SUMMARIES OF ORGANISMS
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re
virus (HIV) antibody positive with a CD4 count of 100. He has an
Brief summaries of the organisms described in this chapter

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ulcerated lesion on his tongue, and biopsy of the lesion reveals yeasts
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within macrophages. A diagnosis of disseminated histoplasmosis is begin on page 679. Please consult these summaries for a rapid

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made. Which one of the following is the best choice of drug to treat review of the essential material.
his disseminated histoplasmosis?
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(A) Amphotericin B
(B) Caspofungin
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(C) Clotrimazole PRACTICE QUESTIONS: USMLE &
(D) Flucytosine COURSE EXAMINATIONS
(E) Terbinafine
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Questions on the topics discussed in this chapter can be found
in the Mycology section of Part XIII: USMLE (National Board)
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ANSWERS

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Practice Questions starting on page 728. Also see Part XIV:
e.

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1. (B) USMLE (National Board) Practice Examination starting on
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2. (A) page 751.
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3. (E)
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4. (C)
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5. (A)
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e.
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sf

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co

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e.

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e.

e.
fre

fre

fre

fre
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ok

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e.

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50
C H A P T E R
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Opportunistic Mycoses
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CHAPTER CONTENTS

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e.
Introduction Penicillium marneffei
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Candida Pseudallescheria boydii
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Cryptococcus Fusarium solani
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Aspergillus Self-Assessment Questions

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Mucor & Rhizopus Summaries of Organisms
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Pneumocystis Practice Questions: USMLE & Course Examinations
FUNGI OF MINOR IMPORTANCE
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INTRODUCTION disseminated infections such as right-sided endocarditis
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(especially in intravenous drug users), bloodstream infec-
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Opportunistic fungi fail to induce disease in most immu- tions (candidemia), and endophthalmitis. Infections related
nocompetent persons but can do so in those with impaired
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to indwelling intravenous and urinary catheters are also
host defenses. There are five genera of medically important important. Candida glabrata is the second most common
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fungi: Candida, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus, Mucor, and Rhi- cause of disseminated candidal infections and is more drug
zopus. Important features of the opportunistic fungal dis-
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resistant than C. albicans.
eases are described in Table 50–1.
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Properties
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CANDIDA Candida albicans is an oval yeast with a single bud
(Figures 50–1 and 50–2). It is part of the normal flora of
Diseases mucous membranes of the upper respiratory, gastrointesti-
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m
Candida albicans, the most important species of Candida, nal, and female genital tracts. In tissues it appears most
co

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causes thrush, vaginitis, esophagitis, diaper rash, and often as yeasts or as pseudohyphae (Figures 50–1 and 50–3).
chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis. It also causes Pseudohyphae are elongated yeasts that visually resemble
e.

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e.

e.
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TABLE 50–1  Important Features of Opportunistic Fungal Diseases fre

sf

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ks
k

Form in Tissue Seen Geographic

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Genus by Microscopy Location Important Clinical Findings Laboratory Diagnosis

eb

eb

eb

eb

Candida Yeast forms Worldwide Thrush in mouth and vagina; endocarditis in Gram-positive; culture grows yeast
pseudohyphae intravenous drug users colonies; Candida albicans forms
m

(also hyphae) germ tubes

Cryptococcus Yeast with large Worldwide Meningitis India ink stain shows yeast with
capsule large capsule; culture grows very
m

m
mucoid colonies
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Aspergillus Mold with septate Worldwide Fungus ball in lung; wound and burn infec- Culture grows mold with green
hyphae tions; indwelling catheter infections; sinusitis spores; conidia in radiating chains
e.

e.

e.

e.

Mucor and Mold with nonseptate Worldwide Necrotic lesion formed when mold invades Culture grows mold with black
fre

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Rhizopus hyphae blood vessels; predisposing factors are dia- spores; conidia enclosed in a sac
betic ketoacidosis, renal acidosis, and cancer called a sporangium
s

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414
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CHAPTER 50  Opportunistic Mycoses 415
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c
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e.

e.
Pseudohyphae

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Chlamydospore

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Pseudohyphae

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Germ tube
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Budding
yeast
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e.

e.

e.

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A B C
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FIGURE 50–1  Candida albicans. A: Budding yeasts and pseudohyphae in tissues or exudate. B: Pseudohyphae and chlamydospores in
sf

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culture at 20°C. C: Germ tubes at 37°C. (Reproduced with permission from Brooks GF et al. Medical Microbiology. 20th ed. Originally published by
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Appleton & Lange. Copyright 1995 McGraw-Hill.)

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hyphae but are not true hyphae. True hyphae are also skin, C. albicans is found throughout the GI tract (especially
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formed when C. albicans invades tissues.
Carbohydrate fermentation reactions can be used to dif-
ferentiate it from other species (e.g., Candida tropicalis,
Candida parapsilosis, Candida krusei, and C. glabrata) that
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m
the mouth and esophagus) and in the vagina. Thrush in the
newborn is the result of passage through a birth canal heavily
colonized by the organism. The presence of C. albicans on
the skin predisposes to infections involving instruments that

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cause human infections. penetrate the skin, such as needles (intravenous drug use)
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Candida dubliniensis is closely related to C. albicans. It and indwelling catheters. It is often found in the urine of
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also causes opportunistic infections in immunocompro- patients with indwelling urinary (Foley) catheters.
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mised patients, especially AIDS patients. Both species form
chlamydospores but C. albicans grows at 42°C whereas Pathogenesis & Clinical Findings
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C. dubliniensis does not.
The first line of defense against Candida infections is intact
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skin and mucous membranes. The second line is cell-
Transmission mediated immunity, especially Th-1 cells producing
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As a member of the normal flora, C. albicans is already pres- gamma-interferon that activates efficient killing by macro-
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ent on the skin and mucous membranes. In addition to the phages. Neutrophils are also important as evidenced by the
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FIGURE 50–2  Candida albicans—yeast. Long arrow points to a

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budding yeast. Short arrow points to the outer membrane of a vagi-

nal epithelial cell. In this Gram-stained specimen, various bacteria FIGURE 50–3  Candida albicans—pseudohyphae. Two arrows
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that are part of the normal flora of the vagina can be seen. (Source: point to pseudohyphae of Candida albicans. (Source: Dr. S. Brown,
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Dr. S. Brown, Public Health Image Library, Centers for Disease Control Public Health Image Library, Centers for Disease Control and
and Prevention.) Prevention.)
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416 PART V Mycology
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FIGURE 50–4  Candida albicans—thrush in mouth. Note whit-
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ish plaques on tongue. (Reproduced with permission from Usatine,
RP et al: The Color Atlas of Family Medicine, New York: McGraw-Hill,
FIGURE 50–5  Candida albicans—diaper rash. Note extensive
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2009. Courtesy of Richard P. Usatine, MD.)
area of inflammation in perineal region. (Reproduced with permis-
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m
sion from Wolff K, Johnson R. Fitzpatrick’s Color Atlas & Synopsis of
Clinical Dermatology. 6th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2009. Copyright
finding that neutropenia predisposes to disseminated Can- © 2009 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.)
dida infections.
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When local or systemic host defenses are impaired, dis-
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ease may result. Overgrowth of C. albicans in the mouth
leukemia and lymphoma. Subcutaneous nodules are often
produces white patches called thrush (Figure 50–4). (Note
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seen in neutropenic patients with disseminated disease.
that thrush is a pseudomembrane, a term that is defined in
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Candida albicans is the most common species to cause dis-
Chapter 7 on page 39.) Vaginitis with itching and discharge
seminated disease in these patients, but C. tropicalis and C.
is favored by high pH, diabetes, or use of antibiotics. Anti-
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parapsilosis are important pathogens also.
biotics suppress the normal flora Lactobacillus, which keep
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the pH low. As a result, the pH rises, which favors the
Laboratory Diagnosis
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growth of Candida.
Skin invasion occurs in warm, moist areas, which In exudates or tissues, budding yeasts and pseudohyphae
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become red and weeping. Fingers and nails become
involved when repeatedly immersed in water; persons
employed as dishwashers in restaurants are commonly
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appear gram-positive and can be visualized by using
calcofluor-white staining. In culture, typical yeast colonies
are formed that resemble large staphylococcal colonies.

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affected. Thickening or loss of the nail can occur. Diaper Candida albicans forms germ tubes in serum at 37°C,
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rash in infants occurs when wet diapers are not changed whereas most other species of pathogenic Candida species
promptly (Figure 50–5). do not (see Figure 50–1). Chlamydospores are typically
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In immunosuppressed individuals, Candida may dis- formed by C. albicans but not by most other species of Can-
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seminate to many organs or cause chronic mucocutaneous dida. Note that C. dubliniensis also forms chlamydospores
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candidiasis (CMC). CMC is a prolonged infection of the but will not grow at 42°C whereas C. albicans will. Serologic
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skin, oral and genital mucosa, and nails that occurs in indi- testing is rarely helpful.
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viduals deficient in T-cell immunity. Patients with muta- A laboratory test that can identify C. albicans and four
tions in the gene encoding interleukin-17 (IL-17) and the other Candida species in blood cultures in 3 to 5 hours
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receptor for IL-17 are predisposed to CMC. After organ instead of the usual several days was approved in 2014. The
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transplantation, patients receiving immunosuppressive test uses magnetic resonance technology to detect the pres-
drugs to prevent rejection are predisposed to invasive Can- ence of yeast DNA and then to identify the species.
dida infections. Skin tests with Candida antigens are uniformly positive
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Intravenous drug abuse, indwelling intravenous cathe- in immunocompetent adults and are used as an indicator
ters, and hyperalimentation also predispose to dissemi- that the person can mount a cellular immune response. A
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nated candidiasis, especially right-sided endocarditis and person who does not respond to Candida antigens in the
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endophthalmitis (infection within the eye). Candida skin test is presumed to have deficient cell-mediated immu-
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esophagitis, often accompanied by involvement of the nity. Such a person is anergic, and other skin tests cannot be
stomach and small intestine, is seen in patients with interpreted. Thus if a person has a negative Candida skin
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CHAPTER 50  Opportunistic Mycoses 417
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test, a negative purified protein derivative (PPD) skin test for
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tuberculosis could be a false-negative result.

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Treatment & Prevention
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The drug of choice for most candidal infections is flucon-
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azole, including oropharyngeal or esophageal thrush. Itra-
conazole and voriconazole are also effective. An
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echinocandin, such as caspofungin or micafungin can also
be used for esophageal candidiasis. Treatment of skin infec-
tions consists of topical antifungal drugs (e.g., clotrimazole FIGURE 50–6  Cryptococcus neoformans. India ink preparation
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om
or nystatin). Candida vaginitis is treated either with topical shows budding yeasts with a wide capsule. India ink forms a dark
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(intravaginal) azole drugs, such as clotrimazole or micon- background; it does not stain the yeast itself. (Reproduced with

c
azole, or with oral fluconazole. Chronic mucocutaneous
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permission from Brooks GF et al. Medical Microbiology. 20th ed. Origi-
candidiasis can be controlled by fluconazole or itraconazole. nally published by Appleton & Lange. Copyright 1995 McGraw-Hill.)
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Treatment of disseminated candidiasis consists of either flu-
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conazole or an echinocandin such as caspofungin.
infection results from inhalation of the organism. There is
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Treatment of candidal infections with antifungal drugs

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should be supplemented by reduction of predisposing fac- no human-to-human transmission. Cryptococcus gattii is
associated with eucalyptus trees, most often in the north-
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tors. Strains of C. albicans resistant to azole drugs have
emerged in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syn- western states of the United States. It is also found in sub-
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m
drome (AIDS) receiving long-term prophylaxis with fluco- tropical and tropical areas of many countries.
nazole. Most isolates of C. glabrata are resistant to
fluconazole and voriconaziole. An echinocandin such as Pathogenesis & Clinical Findings
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caspofungin or amphoptericin B should be used. Lung infection is often asymptomatic or may produce
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Certain candidal infections (e.g., thrush) can be pre- pneumonia. Disease caused by C. neoformans occurs
vented by oral clotrimazole troches, buccal miconazole mainly in patients with reduced cell-mediated immunity,
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tablets, or nystatin “swish and swallow.” Fluconazole is use- especially AIDS patients, in whom the organism dissemi-
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ful in preventing candidal infections in high-risk patients, nates to the central nervous system (meningitis) and other
such as those undergoing bone marrow transplantation organs. Subcutaneous nodules are often seen in dissemi-
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and premature infants. Micafungin can also be used. There nated disease. Note, however, that roughly half the patients
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is no vaccine. with cryptococcal meningitis fail to show evidence of
immunosuppression.
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In some patients with AIDS who are infected with Cryp-
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CRYPTOCOCCUS tococcus, treating the patient with highly active antiretrovi-
ral therapy (HAART) causes an exacerbation of symptoms.
Disease
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Cryptococcus neoformans causes cryptococcosis, especially
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cryptococcal meningitis. Cryptococcosis is the most com-
mon, life-threatening invasive fungal disease worldwide. It
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is especially important in AIDS patients. Another species,
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Cryptococcus gattii, causes human disease less frequently

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than C. neoformans.
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Properties
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Cryptococcus neoformans is an oval, budding yeast sur-

rounded by a wide polysaccharide capsule (Figures 50–6
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and 50–7). It is not dimorphic. Note that this organism

forms a narrow-based bud, whereas the yeast form of
Blastomyces dermatitidis forms a broad-based bud.
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Transmission FIGURE 50–7  Cryptococcus neoformans—India ink prepara-

tion. Arrow points to a budding yeast of Cryptococcus neoformans.
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Cryptococcus neoformans occurs widely in nature and Note the thick, translucent polysaccharide capsule outlined by the
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grows abundantly in soil containing bird (especially dark India ink particles. (Source: Dr. L. Haley, Public Health Image
pigeon) droppings. The birds are not infected. Human Library, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)
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418 PART V Mycology
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This phenomenon is called immune reconstitution inflam- Liposomal amphotericin B should be used in patients with
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matory syndrome (IRIS). The explanation of the exacerba- preexisting kidney damage. There are no specific means of

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tion of symptoms is that HAART increases the number of prevention. Fluconazole is used in AIDS patients for long-
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CD4 cells, which increases the inflammatory response. term suppression of cryptococcal meningitis. Cryptococcus
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Some patients have died as a result of cryptococcal IRIS. To gattii is less responsive to antifungal drugs than is C.
prevent IRIS, patients should be treated for the underlying neoformans.
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infection before starting HAART.
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Cryptococcus gattii causes human disease less frequently
but is more capable of causing disease in an immunocom- ASPERGILLUS
petent person than C. neoformans. Cryptococcus gattii is
Disease
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more likely to cause cryptococcomas (granulomas), espe-
cially in the brain, than C. neoformans. Aspergillus species, especially Aspergillus fumigatus, cause
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infections of the skin, eyes, ears, and other organs; “fungus

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ball” in the lungs; and allergic bronchopulmonary
Laboratory Diagnosis aspergillosis.
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In spinal fluid mixed with India ink, the yeast cell is seen
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microscopically surrounded by a wide, unstained capsule.
Properties
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Appearance of the organism in Gram stain is unreliable,

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but stains such as periodic acid–Schiff (PAS stain), methe- Aspergillus species exist only as molds; they are not dimor-
phic. They have septate hyphae that form V-shaped
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namine silver, and mucicarmine will allow the organism
to be visualized (Figure 50-8). The organism can be cul- (dichotomous) branches (Figures 50–9 and 50–10). The
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tured from spinal fluid and other specimens. The colonies
are highly mucoid—a reflection of the large amount of
capsular polysaccharide produced by the organism.
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m
walls are more or less parallel, in contrast to Mucor and
Rhizopus walls, which are irregular (Figures 50–9 and
50–11). The conidia of Aspergillus form radiating chains, in

m
Serologic tests can be done for both antibody and anti- contrast to those of Mucor and Rhizopus, which are
enclosed within a sporangium (Figure 50–12).
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gen. In infected spinal fluid, capsular antigen occurs in
high titer and can be detected by the latex particle aggluti-
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nation test. This test is called the cryptococcal antigen test, Transmission
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often abbreviated as “crag.” These molds are widely distributed in nature. They grow on
Distinguishing between C. neoformans and C. gattii in the
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decaying vegetation, producing chains of conidia. Trans-
laboratory requires specialized media not generally available, mission is by airborne conidia.
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so many C. gattii infections may go undiagnosed.
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Pathogenesis & Clinical Findings
Treatment & Prevention Aspergillus fumigatus can colonize and later invade abraded
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Combined treatment with amphotericin B and flucytosine
is used in meningitis and other disseminated disease.
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skin, wounds, burns, the cornea, the external ear, or para-
nasal sinuses. It is the most common cause of fungal sinus-
itis. In immunocompromised persons, especially those

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with neutropenia, it can invade the lungs producing
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hemoptysis and the brain causing an abscess. Neutropenic
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patients are also predisposed to intravenous catheter infec-
tions caused by this organism. In 2012, an outbreak of A.
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fumigatus infections, especially meningitis, occurred fre

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caused by injectable corticosteroid solutions that were con-
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taminated with the fungus.

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Aspergilli are well-known for their ability to grow in

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cavities within the lungs, especially cavities caused by

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A B
FIGURE 50–8  Cryptococcus neoformans—Mucicarmine stain.
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Note many red, oval yeasts of C. neoformans in lung tissue of patient FIGURE 50–9  Aspergillus and Mucor in tissue. A: Aspergillus
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with AIDS. (Source: Dr. Edwin P. Ewing, Jr, Public Health Image Library, has septate hyphae with V-shaped branching. B: Mucor has nonsep-
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.) tate hyphae with right-angle branching.
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CHAPTER 50  Opportunistic Mycoses 419
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A B
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FIGURE 50–12  Aspergillus and Mucor in culture. A: Aspergillus
spores form in radiating columns. B: Mucor spores are contained
within a sporangium.
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Laboratory Diagnosis

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Biopsy specimens show septate, branching hyphae invad-
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FIGURE 50–10  Aspergillus fumigatus—septate hyphae. ing tissue (Figure 50–10). Cultures show colonies with
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characteristic radiating chains of conidia (Figure 50–12).
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Long arrow points to the septate hyphae of Aspergillus. Note the
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straight parallel cell walls of this mold. Short arrow points to the However, positive cultures do not prove disease because
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typical low-angle, Y-shaped branching. (Used with permission of colonization is common. In persons with invasive aspergil-
Prof. Henry Sanchez, University of California, San Francisco School losis, there may be high titers of galactomannan antigen in
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of Medicine.) serum. Patients with ABPA have high levels of IgE specific
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for Aspergillus antigens and prominent eosinophilia. IgG
precipitins are also present.
tuberculosis. Within the cavities, they produce an aspergil-
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loma (fungus ball), which can be seen on chest X-ray as a Treatment & Prevention
radiopaque structure that changes its position when the
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Voriconazole is the drug of choice for invasive aspergillosis.
patient is moved from an erect to a supine position.
Liposomal amphotericin B, posaconazole, and caspofungin
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Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a
are alternative drugs. A fungus ball growing in a sinus or in
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hypersensitivity reaction to the presence of Aspergillus in
a pulmonary cavity can be surgically removed. Patients
the bronchi. Patients with ABPA have asthmatic symptoms
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with ABPA can be treated with corticosteroids and antifun-
and a high IgE titer against Aspergillus antigens, and they
gal agents, such as itraconazole. There are no specific
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expectorate brownish bronchial plugs containing hyphae.
means of prevention.
Asthma caused by the inhalation of airborne conidia, espe-
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cially in certain occupational settings, also occurs.
Aspergillus flavus growing on cereals or nuts produces MUCOR & RHIZOPUS
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aflatoxins that may be carcinogenic or acutely toxic. Mucormycosis (zygomycosis, phycomycosis) is a disease
caused by saprophytic molds (e.g., Mucor, Rhizopus, and
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Absidia) found widely in the environment. They are not
dimorphic. These organisms are transmitted by airborne
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asexual spores and invade tissues of patients with reduced
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host defenses. They proliferate in the walls of blood vessels,
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particularly of the paranasal sinuses, lungs, or gut, and

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cause infarction and necrosis of tissue distal to the blocked

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vessel (Figure 50–13).
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Patients with diabetic ketoacidosis, burns, bone mar-

row transplants, or leukemia are particularly susceptible.
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Diabetic patients are particularly susceptible to rhinocere-

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bral mucormycosis, in which mold spores in the sinuses

germinate to form hyphae that invade blood vessels that
supply the brain. One species, Rhizopus oryzae, causes
about 60% of cases of mucormycosis.
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In biopsy specimens, organisms are seen microscopi-

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cally as nonseptate hyphae with broad, irregular walls and

FIGURE 50–11  Mucor species—nonseptate hyphae. Arrow
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points to irregular-shaped, nonseptate hyphae of Mucor. (Source:

branches that form more or less at right angles (Figures 50–9
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Dr. L. Ajello, Public Health Image Library, Centers for Disease Control and 50–11). Cultures show colonies with spores contained
and Prevention.) within a sporangium (Figure 50–12). These organisms are
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420 PART V Mycology
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PNEUMOCYSTIS
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Pneumocystis jiroveci is classified as a yeast on the basis of

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molecular analysis, but it has many characteristics of a pro-

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tozoan. Some regard it as an “unclassified” organism. A
summary of the important clinical information is presented
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here and a more detailed description is presented in
Chapter 52 with the blood and tissue protozoa. In 2002,
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taxonomists renamed the human species of Pneumocystis
as P. jiroveci and recommended that P. carinii be used only
to describe the rat species of Pneumocystis.
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Pneumocystis is acquired by inhalation of airborne
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organisms into the lungs. An inflammatory exudate com-

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posed primarily of plasma cells occurs, oxygen exchange is
reduced, and dyspnea occurs. A reduced number of CD
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4-postive T lymphocytes, such as occurs in AIDS, predis-
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FIGURE 50–13  Mucor species—mucormycosis. Note necrotic
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poses to pneumonia. Most immunocompetent people have
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area involving the nose and face. (Reproduced with permission from
asymptomatic infections.
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Lichtman MA et al, eds. Lichtman’s Atlas of Hematology. New York:
McGraw-Hill, 2007. Copyright © 2007 by The McGraw-Hill The clinical findings of Pneumocystis pneumonia
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Companies, Inc.) include fever, nonproductive cough, and dyspnea. Rales are
heard bilaterally and the chest X-ray shows a “ground-
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m
glass” pattern. The mortality rate of untreated Pneumocystis
pneumonia is approximately 100%.
difficult to culture because they are a single, very long cell, The diagnosis is typically made by finding the cysts of
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m
and damage to any part of the cell can limit its ability to Pneumocystis in bronchial lavage specimens. Fluorescent
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grow. antibody stains or tissue stains, such as methenamine silver
If diagnosis is made early, treatment of the underlying or Giemsa, are used to identify the organism. PCR-based
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disorder, plus administration of amphotericin B and surgi- tests are also used. Serological tests are not useful.
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cal removal of necrotic infected tissue, has resulted in some The drug of choice for Pneumocystis pneumonia is trim-
remissions and cures. Liposomal amphotericin B should be
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ethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxa-
used in patients with preexisting kidney damage. Posacon- zole or aerosolized pentamidine can be used for prophylaxis
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azole can also be used. in patients with CD4 counts below 200.
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FUNGI OF MINOR IMPORTANCE  

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PENICILLIUM MARNEFFEI tissue closely resemble those of Aspergillus. In culture, the
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appearance of the conidia (pear-shaped) and the color of the
Penicillium marneffei is a dimorphic fungus that causes mycelium (brownish-gray) of P. boydii are different from
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tuberculosis-like disease in AIDS patients, particularly in those of Aspergillus. The drug of choice is either ketocon-
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Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand. It grows as a mold

that produces a rose-colored pigment at 25°C but at 37°C
azole or itraconazole because the response to amphotericin B
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is poor. Debridement of necrotic tissue is important as well.

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grows as a small yeast that resembles Histoplasma capsulatum.
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Bamboo rats are the only other known hosts. The diagnosis is
made either by growing the organism in culture or by using FUSARIUM SOLANI
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fluorescent antibody staining of affected tissue. The treatment

of choice consists of amphotericin B for 2 weeks followed by Fusarium solani is a mold that causes disease primarily in
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oral itraconazole for 10 weeks. Relapses can be prevented with neutropenic patients. Fever and skin lesions are the most com-
prolonged administration of oral itraconazole. mon clinical features. The organism is similar to Aspergillus in
that it is a mold with septate hyphae that tends to invade blood
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vessels. Blood cultures are often positive in disseminated dis-

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ease. In culture, banana-shaped conidia are seen. Liposomal

PSEUDALLESCHERIA BOYDII amphotericin B is the drug of choice. Indwelling catheters
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Pseudallescheria boydii is a mold that causes disease primar- should be removed or replaced. In 2006, an outbreak of
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ily in immunocompromised patients. The clinical findings Fusarium keratitis (infection of the cornea) occurred in people
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and the microscopic appearance of the septate hyphae in who used a certain contact lens solution.
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CHAPTER 50  Opportunistic Mycoses 421
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SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS the following is the best choice of drug to use as long-term pro-

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phylaxis to prevent another episode of cryptococcal meningitis?
1. Regarding C. albicans, which one of the following is most accurate?

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(A) Amphotericin B
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(A) The diagnosis of disseminated candidiasis is typically made by (B) Caspofungin

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detecting IgM antibodies. (C) Fluconazole
(B) It exists as a yeast on mucosal surfaces but forms pseudohyphae (D) Flucytosine
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when it invades tissue. (E) Terbinafine
(C) Antibody-mediated immunity is a more important host defense 6. Your patient is a 1-month-old infant with whitish lesions in the
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than cell-mediated immunity. mouth that are diagnosed as oropharyngeal candidiasis (thrush).
(D) A positive skin test can be used to confirm the diagnosis of skin Which one of the following is the best choice of drug to treat this
infection caused by C. albicans. infection?
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(E) In the clinical laboratory, it is diagnosed by isolating a mold (A) Amphotericin B
with nonseptate hyphae when cultures are grown at room
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(B) Caspofungin

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-temperature. (C) Fluconazole
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2. Regarding Cryptococcus neoformans, which one of the following is (D) Flucytosine
most accurate?
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(E) Terbinafine
(A) It is a dimorphic fungus, growing as a mold in the soil and a 7. Your patient is a 50-year-old woman with leukemia who is neutro-
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yeast in the body. penic from her cancer chemotherapy. She now has disseminated
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(B) It is acquired primarily by ingestion of food contaminated with aspergillosis that does not respond to amphotericin B. Which one
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pigeon guano. of the following is the best choice of drug to treat this infection?
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(C) Dark field microscopy is typically used to visualize the organ- (A) Amphotericin B
ism in spinal fluid. (B) Caspofungin
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(D) Pathogenesis involves an exotoxin that acts as a superantigen (C) Fluconazole
recruiting lymphocytes into the spinal fluid. (D) Flucytosine
(E) Laboratory diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis can be (E) Terbinafine
achieved by detecting the capsular polysaccharide of the organ-
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ism in the spinal fluid.
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3. Regarding Aspergillus fumigatus and aspergillosis, which one of ANSWERS
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the following is most accurate?
(A) The natural habitat of A. fumigatus is the hair follicles of the 1. (B)
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human skin. 2. (E)
3. (D)
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(B) In the clinical laboratory, cultures of A. fumigatus incubated at
37°C form yeast colonies. 4. (B)
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(C) The India ink stain is typically used to visualize A. fumigatus in 5. (C)
the clinical laboratory. 6. (C)
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(D) A. fumigatus causes “fungus balls” in patients with lung cavities 7. (B)
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caused by tuberculosis.
(E) The main predisposing factor to allergic bronchopulmonary
aspergillosis is neutropenia. SUMMARIES OF ORGANISMS
4. Regarding Mucor species, which one of the following is most Brief summaries of the organisms described in this chapter
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accurate? begin on page 680. Please consult these summaries for a rapid
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(A) Infection is acquired by the ingestion of food contaminated by review of the essential material.
spores of the organism.
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(B) Diabetic ketoacidosis is a major predisposing factor for inva-
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sive mucormycosis. PRACTICE QUESTIONS: USMLE & fre

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(C) Mucor species have septate hyphae in contrast to Aspergillus

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COURSE EXAMINATIONS
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species, which have nonseptate hyphae.

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(D) In biopsy specimens obtained from patients with invasive dis- Questions on the topics discussed in this chapter can be found
ease, Mucor species appear as pseudohyphae. in the Mycology section of Part XIII: USMLE (National Board)
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(E) Skin tests using mucoroidin as the immunogen are used to deter-
Practice Questions starting on page 728. Also see Part XIV:
mine whether the patient has been infected with Mucor species.
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5. Your patient is a 20-year-old woman who is human immunode-

USMLE (National Board) Practice Examination starting on
ficiency virus (HIV) antibody positive with a CD4 count of 50. page 751.
She has recovered from cryptococcal meningitis. Which one of
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