Dimorphic fungus

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Dimorphic Fungus

Dimorphic fungus (pronunciation: di-mor-fic fun-gus) is a type of fungus that can exist in two distinct forms. The term is derived from the Greek words "di," meaning two, and "morph," meaning form.

Etymology

The term "dimorphic" is derived from the Greek words "di," meaning two, and "morph," meaning form. The term "fungus" is derived from the Latin word "fungus," which means mushroom.

Definition

A dimorphic fungus is a type of fungus that can exist in two distinct forms, depending on environmental conditions. These fungi can switch between a yeast form and a mold form, a characteristic that is often associated with pathogenic fungi.

Related Terms

  • Yeast: A type of fungus that typically grows as single cells, reproducing by budding.
  • Mold: A type of fungus that grows in multicellular filaments called hyphae.
  • Pathogenic Fungi: Fungi that cause disease in humans or other organisms.
  • Mycology: The study of fungi.

Pathogenic Dimorphic Fungi

Some dimorphic fungi are pathogenic, meaning they can cause diseases. These fungi can exist as yeast cells in the human body but grow as molds in the environment. Examples of pathogenic dimorphic fungi include Histoplasma capsulatum, Coccidioides immitis, and Blastomyces dermatitidis.

Treatment

Treatment for infections caused by dimorphic fungi typically involves antifungal medications. The specific medication used may depend on the type of dimorphic fungus causing the infection.

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