Fungal Blood Culture-Mold: Introduction, Principle, Clinical Significance, and Keynotes

Fungal Blood Culture Bottle showing fungal growth

Introduction Molds such as Aspergillus, Fusarium, Scedosporium, and members of the Mucorales are important causes of invasive fungal infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients (oncology, transplant, hematology, ICU). Unlike yeasts (Candida, Cryptococcus), which are more frequently recovered from blood cultures, molds are rarely detected in routine …

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Candida albicans vs. Candida dubliniensis: Introduction, Differences, and Keynotes

Candida albicans growth on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA)

Introduction of Candida albicans vs. Candida dubliniensis Both Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis are closely related yeast species belonging to the genus Candida.They share similar morphological features but differ in pathogenicity, epidemiology, and phenotypic characteristics. Differences Between C. albicans and C. dubliniensis Feature Candida albicans …

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

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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Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Mucoid lactose fermenting (MLF) colony of Klebsiella pneumoniae and non-lactose fermenting (NLF) colony of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia on MacConkey medium of clinical specimen-sputum culture

Introduction Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a Gram-negative bacterium that belongs to the class Gammaproteobacteria. It is an opportunistic pathogen known for its ability to cause infections, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions. The bacterium was initially considered to be of low …

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Microsporum ferrugineum: Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Microsporum ferrugineum in LPCB taese mount of culture microscopy showing typical bamboo hyphae and lacking production of both microconidia and macroconidia

Introduction Microsporum ferrugineum is a species of dermatophytic fungus that belongs to the genus Microsporum. Dermatophytes are a group of fungi that are capable of infecting and colonizing the outer layers of the skin, hair, and nails, causing various dermatophytosis or “ringworm” infections in humans …

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Achromobacter xylosoxidans: Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Gram negative rods (GNRs) or Gram negative bacilli (GNBs)of Achromobacter xylosoxidans in Gram staining of culture microscopy

Introduction Achromobacter xylosoxidans is a gram-negative, non-fermenting bacterium that belongs to the family Alcaligenaceae. It is an aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium known for its versatile metabolic capabilities and its widespread distribution in various environments, including soil, water, and hospital settings. Originally classified as Alcaligenes xylosoxidans, the …

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

Chains of single-celled conidia and conidiophores(annellides) of Scopulariopsis in LPCB Tease mount of culture microscopy

Introduction Scopulariopsis is a genus of filamentous fungi belonging to the class Ascomycota. It is a widespread and diverse group of fungi found in various environmental niches. Scopulariopsis species (they) are commonly present in soil, decaying organic matter, and indoor environments. The name “Scopulariopsis” is …

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Fusarium oxysporum: Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Fusarium oxysporum growth on SDA tube

Introduction Fusarium oxysporum is a filamentous fungus belonging to the genus Fusarium. It is a widespread and economically significant plant pathogen that affects a wide range of crops, causing various diseases collectively known as “Fusarium wilt” or “Fusarium yellows.” This pathogen can infect over 100 …

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