Dermatophytes

  • Moulds
  • Cause superficial infections - cause “tinea” diseases
  • Trichophyton rubrum is a common cause of toenail, foot and groin infections

Malassezia

  • Dimorphic - change between moulds or yeasts
  • Commensal on everyone’s skin
  • Causes Pityriasis versicolor - hypo or hyper pigmented patches

Candida

  • Yeast (dimorphic)
  • Cause thrush - disease of oral and vaginal mucosa (Fluconazole)
  • Candidaemia can lead to occular candidosis and candida Endocarditis
  • Avoid azole therapy for vaginal thrush in pregnant women
  • Opportunistic - HIV patients

Aspergillus

  • Mould
  • Inhaled by everyone but only become a disease in those with immuno/respiratory complications
  • Chest imaging important
  • Can fill cavity in lung formed by TB
  • Agressive IV antifungals