Diseases caused by fungi are relatively uncommon, but incidence has been increasing, especially by opportunistic organisms. Populations most susceptible to opportunistic infections are older people and immunosuppressed such as cancer patients and organ transplant recipients.
This course will focus on the macroscopic and microscopic identification of:
- hyaline, and
- dematiaceous opportunistic molds.
It should be noted that the growth of these molds in culture is often the result of contamination and not the actual cause of a disease. However, if isolated and identified, these molds should be reported.
Safety note: Follow all approved mycology safety protocols - including work with clinical specimens, as well as manipulation of mycology cultures, in a laminar airflow biosafety cabinet. Protocols should follow biosafety level 2 (BSL2). Special attention to avoid manipulation of culture growth and creation of aerosols must be given to Coccidiodes immitis because of its high infectivity rate. (BSL3 is recommended for this pathogen.)
Course instructional note: Throughout the course module, ungraded and graded test questions will refer back to the tables found in the content. The reader may find taking notes, printing the course content, or viewing the tables on a second computer screen useful.
