Question 1

Which of the following best describes the dimorphic nature of systemic pathogenic fungi such as Histoplasma capsulatum?

Accepted Answer

They grow as mycelial thalli in the environment and as spherical yeasts in the body.

Question 2

A patient presents with pulmonary symptoms that resemble tuberculosis, but further testing reveals the presence of yeast cells in a lung biopsy. Which fungal pathogen is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Histoplasma capsulatum

Question 3

Which of the following is the preferred medium for culturing fungi in the laboratory?

Accepted Answer

Saroubaud dextrose agar

Question 4

A farmer from the Ohio River Valley presents with fever, cough, and lethargy. X-ray shows a lung infection, and yeast cells are found in a sample. Which disease is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Histoplasmosis

Question 5

Which of the following techniques can reveal the presence of fungal cells in tissues?

Accepted Answer

Both KOH prep and GMS staining

Question 6

Which systemic mycosis is most commonly associated with painless cutaneous lesions on the face and upper body?

Accepted Answer

Blastomycosis

Question 7

A patient with AIDS develops meningitis. Laboratory analysis reveals encapsulated yeast in the cerebrospinal fluid. Which pathogen is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Cryptococcus neoformans

Question 8

Which of the following is a common opportunistic fungal infection in AIDS patients and is almost diagnostic for AIDS when present?

Accepted Answer

Pneumocystis pneumonia

Question 9

A patient with a history of tuberculosis develops masses of fungal hyphae in lung cavities. Which disease is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Noninvasive pulmonary aspergillosis

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why mucormycosis is more common in patients with uncontrolled diabetes?

Accepted Answer

High blood sugar impairs neutrophil function, increasing susceptibility to infection.

Question 11

Which of the following is the drug of choice for treating invasive coccidioidomycosis?

Accepted Answer

Amphotericin B

Question 12

A patient presents with severe diarrhea and is found to be immunocompromised. Microscopy reveals intracellular spores. Which pathogen is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Microsporidia

Question 13

Which of the following is a distinguishing microscopic feature of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis?

Accepted Answer

Yeast cells in a 'steering wheel' formation

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the transmission route for most systemic mycoses?

Accepted Answer

Inhalation of fungal spores from the environment

Question 15

A patient with a history of leukemia develops fever, swelling of the liver and spleen, and liver dysfunction. Which type of candidiasis is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Hepatic and splenic candidiasis

Question 16

Which of the following is the most common clinical manifestation of microsporidiosis in immunocompromised patients?

Accepted Answer

Severe diarrhea

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why pulmonary aspergillosis is a concern in hospitalized COVID-19 patients?

Accepted Answer

COVID-19 can weaken the immune system, allowing Aspergillus to invade lung tissue.

Question 18

Which of the following drugs is used as maintenance therapy to prevent relapse of cryptococcal infection in AIDS patients?

Accepted Answer

Fluconazole

Question 19

A patient with a history of broad-spectrum antibiotic use develops a creamy white, curdlike vaginal discharge. Which condition is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Vulvovaginal candidiasis

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the pathogenesis of Coccidioides immitis in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Inhaled arthroconidia germinate into spherules in the lung, which release endospores.

Pathogenic Fungi: Systemic and Opportunistic Mycoses

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