Fungi and Parasites

Question	Answer
Describe the properties of fungi that contribute to disease in humans.	Microscopic single celled yeasts Grow where bacteria don't Many are beneficial to humans
What the benefits of fungi?	Source of antibiotics Other drugs Yeasts: making bread, wine, beer Moulds: special flavour to some cheeses Mushroom: food
What are some of the most important fungal diseases?	Candida albicans - thrush Superficial mycoses - mild infection produces pale skin lesions Cutaneous Mycoses - tinea or ringworm Subcutaneous mycoses - penetrates skin and establishes infection Systemic mycoses - invaded immunosuppressed patient Pneumocystis pneumonia - immunosuppressed patients
What are some harmful effects of fungi?	Grwoth of moulds in damp or poorly ventilated buildings. Release spores, mould fragments or toxins. Allergic reactions Fungal toxins - infects food
How can parasites cause disease?	Derive nutrients from other living organisms (host) Caused by protozoa, helminths and arthropods
What factors increase susceptibility to parasitic disease?	Immunosuppressed
What role do insects play as disease vectors?	Aquire organism by biting infected animal Transmits infection by biting or excreteing infectious faeces Scratching bite allows organism to penetrate skin

Resource summary

	Created by Hannah Waters over 10 years ago