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Other Infectious Microbes

+Fungi

Out of thousands of species of fungus only about 50 cause disease.

Diseases caused by fungi are called mycoses.

Usually unicellular eukaryotes (i.e.mold)

+Fungus Example: Ringworm

Infects the middle skin layers.

Caused by the fungi: Dermatophytosis

Transferred by skin to skin contact. Highly contagious!

Symptoms: Itchy, a round rash

Treatment: Antifungal creams

+Fungus Example: Candidiasis

A.K.A. Yeast infection

Caused by Candida albicans- a naturally occurring fungus.

Usually controlled by bacteria in your body.

Symptoms show when there is a lack of bacteria in the body. (When you are on antibiotics)

Symptoms show in the GI tract or vaginal area.

A yeast infection of the mouth is called thrush-usually occurs in infants.

Treated by an antifungal cream

+Protozoans

Unicellular eukaryotes

Less than 20 species cause disease

Usually use the body to reproduce like a bacteria.

Some varieties can do photosynthesis and some behave more like animal cells

+Protozoan Example: AmoebiasisA parasite that survives in

warm climates- especially in places with poor sanitation.

3,000-5,000 cases per year in the US

Enters through food or unsanitary practices—enters through the mouth

Divides in the intestine

Produces ulcers, diarrhea, vomiting

Spread through feces

+Protozoan Example: Malaria

Caused by plasmodium- a parasite

Carried by female mosquitoes

Infects liver cells

Uses erythrocytes to reproduce

Erythrocytes lyse causing infectious agent to spread through the blood stream.

Taken up by mosquitoes again