Other moulds of medical important include

Bread mould (Rhizopus, Mucor): this is an opportunistic infection; free living, available freely in environment. Causes systemic mycotic infections. Diagnosis by culture using Sabournauds. Treatment using: Amphotericin B (polyene) ==> basically binds to cytoplasmic membrane, forms ion channels, essential ions lost, cell dies, K Iodide.

Aspergillus: asthma like disease, allergic bronchopulmonary disease, disseminates to other tissues, mycotic keratitis (destroys cornea), aflatoxins are released by these moulds. Diagnosis is by isolation and culture using Sabornauds, Treatment; Amp B Itraconazole (if dessiminated), surgery correcting bronchial tree

Sick building syndrome: agent grows in old and “diseased” buildings.

Category: Microbiology Notes