MEDICAL MYCOLOGY

Dr Tadayo Hashimoto M.D.
Professor
Department of Microbiology & Immunology

10. Conditions often underlying opportunistic fungal infections include all of the following EXCEPT:

use of broad-spectrum antibacterial antibiotics for extended periods
therapeutic use of immunosuppressive drugs
therapeutic use of radiation
loss of T-helper-cell functions due to human immunodeficiency virus infections
all of the above

(E) All of the conditions listed in the question predispose individuals to opportunistic mycotic infections. Candidiasis, cryptococcosis, and aspergillosis are common fungal infections associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Prolonged use of broadspectrum antibiotics may alter the normal microbial flora promoting the growth of opportunistic pathogens. Radiation damages or kills various types of cells that are essential for normal immune response. (Joklik et al, p. 1136; Ryan et al, pp. 815-820)

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Created: Aug 8, 1996