Identifying the Mould Behind Mucormycosis (Black Fungus)
Mucormycosis, often referred to as the 'black fungus', is a serious opportunistic infection. The question asks to identify the specific type of mould responsible for causing this disease.
Rhizopus: The Primary Culprit
- Rhizopus species are the fungi most commonly associated with mucormycosis. These moulds are widespread in the environment, often found in soil, decaying organic matter, and even on certain foods.
- The infection typically occurs when the spores of Rhizopus are inhaled, ingested, or enter the body through a break in the skin.
- Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with uncontrolled diabetes, undergoing chemotherapy, or post-transplant patients, are particularly vulnerable.
Other Fungal Options
- Aspergillus: Causes aspergillosis, a different type of fungal infection.
- Candida: Responsible for candidiasis (yeast infections).
- Histoplasma: Causes histoplasmosis, typically affecting the lungs.
Therefore, Rhizopus is the correct mould identified as the cause of mucormycosis.
Important Questions from Fungal Infections
- Which of the following opportunistic systemic mycoses is characterized by rapid development of severe tissue necrosis and emerged as specific complication associated with COVID-19 infection in India?
- Which of the following fungal infections is caused by dermal inoculation of the fungal agent, usually from a thorn?
Consider the following statements with regard to coccidioidomycosis:
1. It is a primary systemic mycosis caused by dimorphic fungi Cocci- dioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii.
2. Primary pulmonary coccidioido- mycosis presents with cough, fever, chest pain and arthritis.
3. Progressive pulmonary coccidioido- mycosis presents with constitu- tional symptoms like fever, weight loss, anorexia and features of lobar pneumonia.
4. Coccidioides meningitis is a mild disease, not warranting any treatment.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- A patient receiving chemotherapy develops neutropenia. He presents with fever, cough, expectoration, chest pain and hemoptysis. His CT scan of chest reveals nodular infiltrates with halo sign and crescent sign. The most useful drug for treating him is
- Consider the following statements with regard to Amphotericin B :
1. It is a narrow spectrum antifungal agent.
2. It can cause nephrotoxicity.
3. It lacks an oral preparation.
4. Its lipid formulations are less toxic.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
