Fungi – is 

a multicellular heterotrophic member that lacks roots, stem, and

referred to as the thallophytes. It cannot manufacture their own food because it
lacks chlorophyll. It is any member of the group of eukaryotic organisms that
includes microorganisms such as yeasts and molds, as well as the more familiar
mushrooms. These organisms are classified as a kingdom, which is separate from
the other eukaryotic life kingdoms of plants and animals.

Mycoses – diseases of fungal etiology. Mycosis is a fungal infection of animals,

including humans. Mycoses are common, and a variety of environmental and
physiological conditions can contribute to the development of fungal diseases.
Inhalation of fungal spores or localized colonization of the skin may initiate
persistent infections; therefore, mycoses often start in the lungs or on the skin.

TYPES OF MYCOSES:

I: Superficial Mycoses

- It is caused by fungi invading only the superficial keratinized tissue of the body
such as skin, hair, and nails.

Tinea (ringworm) - Tinea is the name of a group of diseases caused by a fungus.

Types of tinea include ringworm, athlete's foot, and jock itch. These infections are
usually not serious, but they can be uncomfortable. You can get them by touching
an infected person, from damp surfaces such as shower floors, or even from a pet.

Symptoms depend on the affected area of the body:

 Ringworm is a red skin rash that forms a ring around normal-looking skin. A
worm doesn't cause it.
 Scalp ringworm causes itchy, red patches on your head. It can leave bald
spots. It usually affects children.
 Athlete's foot causes itching, burning, and cracked skin between your toes.
 Jock itch causes an itchy, burning rash in your groin area.

II: Deep / Systemic Mycoses

 A soil fungi and infection are acquired thru inhalation

 Fungi that cause deep/systemic mycoses are dimorphic

Two Phases of Growth:

 Yeast phase, tissue phase or parasitic - take place at 37’C
 Mycelial phase or saprophytic form – takes place at room temperature

III: Opportunistic Mycoses

- May present similarly to the deep-seated mycoses in a patient who are

immunocompromised

Organisms:

 Candida albicans

Morphology: small, budding, yeast-like organisms which forms a pseudo mycelium

 Cryptococcus neoformans. They identified by the presence of a thick,

capsule formation, mucoid creamy white to yellow, urea positive
 Coccidioides immitis
 
Proper Collection of Specimen for Dermatophytes from the Skin:

 Clean the area with 70% alcohol, then scraped from the border with a
scalpel

Correct Examination of Specimen for Dermatophytes from Direct Smears:

 Place the materials in 10% sodium hydroxide and examine the hyphae