Immunocompromised

Criteria and Decision Framework for Differentiating True Infection from Colonization or Contamination by Aspergillus niger in Cancer Patients

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Aspergillus niger growth on SDA

Evaluate the Clinical Context Sample Collection & Repeatability Microscopy & Direct Detection Quantitative Culture & Sterility of Site Serological & Molecular Evidence Radiological Correlation Practical Interpretation Framework Finding Likely Contaminant Possible Colonizer Likely Pathogen Single isolate from 1 sample ✅ ✅ ❌ Repeated isolation from …

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Common Invasive Fungal Pathogens in Cancer Patients: Introduction, List, Risk factors, and Keynotes

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Common Invasive Fungal Pathogens in Cancer Patients- Introduction, List, Risk factors, and Keynotes

Introduction Common invasive fungal pathogens that frequently affect cancer patients, especially those who are immunocompromised due to chemotherapy, hematologic malignancies, or bone marrow/stem cell transplants. List of Common Invasive Fungal Pathogens 1. Candida species Causes: Candidemia, disseminated candidiasisRisk: Neutropenia, central venous catheter, broad-spectrum antibiotics 2. …

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Cryptococcal Antigen (CrAg) Testing-Introduction, Principle, Sample used, Detection Methods, Clinical Significance, Limitations, and Keynotes

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Cryptococcal Antigen (CrAg) Testing-Introduction, Principle, Sample used, Detection Methods, Clinical Significance, Limitations, and Keynotes

Introduction of Cryptococcal Antigen (CrAg) Testing  Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) testing detects the presence of antigens produced by the Cryptococcus fungus in body fluids, aiding in the diagnosis of cryptococcosis, particularly meningitis. This test helps identify infection early, even before visible symptoms appear, and is crucial for timely …

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Prototheca: Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

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Prototheca in Gram staining

Introduction Morphology Prototheca exhibits a unique morphology in cultural media. It forms smooth, creamy colonies on SDA. Moreover, its colonies remain non-filamentous. It produces spherical or oval cells in microscopic preparations. Furthermore, cells display a thick, refractile wall. In addition, internal endospores are occasionally arranged …

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Paecilomyes marquandii-Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

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Conidia, conidiophores, and phialides of Paecilomyes marquandii in LPCB preparation of culture microscopic examination

Introduction of Paecilomyes marquandii Paecilomyces marquandii is a saprophytic fungus found in soil and decaying matter. Moreover, it sometimes acts as an opportunistic pathogen. Additionally, it infects immunocompromised patients. Furthermore, clinicians report emerging cases of this fungus in various clinical settings. Morphology The fungus forms …

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Penicillium cheresanum: Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

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Penicillium cheresanum: Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Introduction Penicillium cheresanum is a species of mold belonging to the genus Penicillium, commonly found in soil and decaying organic matter. Moreover, it thrives in a variety of environments, demonstrating its adaptability to different ecological conditions. In addition, this mold is known for producing secondary …

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Enterococcus avium-Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynote

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Enterococcus avium colony morphology on CLED agar

Introduction Enterococcus avium is a Gram-positive bacterium commonly found in birds. However, it can also inhabit the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals. Although it is less prevalent than other Enterococcus species, E. avium has been identified as a nosocomial pathogen in humans. Notably, it …

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Top 10 Fungal Pathogens: List with short Descriptions, and Footage

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Mucor colony morphology on SDA

Top 10 Fungal Pathogens List A list of the Top 10 Fungal Pathogens is summarized as follows- Short Descriptions of Top 10 Fungal Pathogens Candida albicans Aspergillus fumigatus Cryptococcus neoformans Histoplasma capsulatum Blastomyces dermatitidis Coccidioides immitis (and C. posadasii) Pneumocystis jirovecii Mucor species (and Rhizopus …

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