Paper II — 2023 July (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme) — Q17

Paper II

2023 July (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme) · 100 marks · 180 min

Question

Write two identifying features of Cryptococcus neoformans.

Q171 marks★✓

Answer

Two identifying features of Cryptococcus neoformans: (1) Encapsulated budding yeast cells, demonstrated by India ink preparation (showing a clear halo/capsule against the black background) on direct microscopy of CSF; and (2) Urease-positive and produces melanin pigment on Niger seed (birdseed) agar (dark brown/black colonies, due to phenol oxidase activity), a key biochemical identifying feature distinguishing it from most other yeasts.

Related Concepts

1. 1General Mycology

Other Years Asked

1. 1A 45 year old male presented in dermatology OPD with history of an itchy annular lesion over the scalp for the past 20 days, which on examination looked like a fungal infection.2024 December (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Essay · 10 marks
2. 2A 52 year old female with history of long standing uncontrolled diabetes mellitus on treatment presents to OPD with white patches in the oral mucous membrane. Scrapings obtained from the lesion showed gram positive budding yeast cells. Answer the following:  What is the clinical diagnosis and the probable etiologic agent.  What are the other clinical manifestations caused by this organism.  Describe the laboratory diagnosis of this clinical condition.  What will be the appropriate line of treatment. (2+3+4+1)2019 February (2010 Scheme)Essay · 10 marks
3. 3A gardner noticed a series of small red ulcerated nodules of 1 cm diameter on the right forearm. She provides history of having repeated thorn pricks at on the arm. Microscopic examination of biopsy revealed cigar shaped yeast forms.2025 March (Supplementary (SAY)) (2019 Scheme)Short Essay · 6 marks
4. 4Discuss the lab diagnosis of candidiasis2015 February (2010 Scheme)Short Essay · 5 marks
5. 5Candida albicans.2022 October (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Essay · 5 marks
6. 6Opportunistic fungal infections2018 February (2010 Scheme)Short Essay · 5 marks
7. 7Laboratory diagnosis of candidiasis2025 August (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Essay · 5 marks
8. 8Candida albicans.2022 February (2019 Scheme)Short Answer · 4 marks
9. 9Laboratory tests for detecting infections by dimorphic fungi2024 June (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Short Answer · 4 marks
10. 10Name the most common yeast causing meningitis in a HIV positive patient. Name a special stain used for its detection in CSF sample. Draw a neat labelled diagram of its appearance under the microscope using the special stain. Name one rapid test to identify this yeast in the CSF sample. (1+1+1+1)2025 March (Supplementary (SAY)) (2019 Scheme)Short Answer · 4 marks
11. 11Classification of fungus with examples.2023 January (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Short Answer · 4 marks
12. 12Laboratory diagnosis of mycetoma2024 June (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Short Answer · 4 marks
13. 13Four opportunistic infections seen in AIDS patients and causative agents.2019 July (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 2 marks
14. 14Slide culture technique2021 May (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 2 marks
15. 15Name four anti-fungal agents2020 February (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 2 marks
16. 16Name any TWO dimorphic fungi2024 March (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 2 marks
17. 17Define dimorphic fungi with two examples2024 August (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 2 marks
18. 18Otomycosis2015 February (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 2 marks
19. 19What is germ tube test2019 July (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 2 marks
20. 20Laboratory diagnosis of candidiasis2018 July (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 2 marks
21. 21Germ tube test2015 September (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 2 marks
22. 22Sabouraud dextrose agar2018 February (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 2 marks
23. 23Laboratory confirmation of candida albicans.2013 September (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 2 marks
24. 24What are dimorphic fungi. Name two dimorphic fungi.2021 February (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 2 marks
25. 25Otomycosis.2014 March (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 2 marks
26. 26Mucocutaneous candidiasis2025 March (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 2 marks
27. 27Germ tube test2021 December (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 2 marks
28. 28Germ tube test2023 July (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 2 marks
29. 29Piedra2016 February (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 2 marks
30. 30Lacto Phenol Cotton Blue mount (LPCB mount)2022 October (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 2 marks
31. 31Laboratory diagnosis of aspergillosis2018 July (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 2 marks
32. 32Tinea versicolor2013 April (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 2 marks
33. 33Candida albicans.2013 April (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 2 marks
34. 34Give two examples of antifungal drugs.2022 October (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 2 marks
35. 35Otomycosis2020 February (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 2 marks
36. 36Name four agents causing opportunistic fungal infection2025 August (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 2 marks
37. 37Germ tube test2021 February (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 2 marks
38. 38Opportunistic fungi2017 February (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 2 marks
39. 39Opportunistic fungal infections include2025 March (Supplementary (SAY)) (2019 Scheme)MCQ (Multi) · 1.8 marks
40. 40What are dimorphic fungi.2023 January (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)1 mark
41. 41Name two dimorphic fungi.2022 February (2019 Scheme)1 mark
42. 42Causative agent of pityriasis versicolor2024 March (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)1 mark
43. 43Name TWO fungi causing otomycosis2024 June (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)1 mark
44. 44Name TWO etiological agents causing opportunistic mycoses2024 June (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)1 mark
45. 45Fungal filament in skin scrapings can be visualized after digestion using2024 December (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)MCQ · 1 mark
46. 46Name one rapid laboratory test to diagnose Candida albicans.2024 June (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)1 mark