A patient presents with pneumonia after visiting caves with bat droppings in Latin America. Large yeast cells with a “captain’s wheel” appearance are seen. What is the diagnosis?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Paracoccidioidomycosis
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis forms large yeast with multiple budding daughter cells arranged like a ship’s wheel.
Keep practicing
More Fungi and parasites questions
- A patient develops thrush and vaginal infections after prolonged antibiotic use. Which organism is the most likely cause?
- A patient develops liver abscesses after traveling to India. Stool microscopy shows trophozoites with ingested RBCs. What is the organism?
- A camper develops foul-smelling, watery diarrhea. Stool exam shows pear-shaped organisms with flagella. What is the most likely cause?
- A patient with AIDS has chronic diarrhea. Acid-fast staining of stool shows oocysts. Which organism is responsible?
- A child develops perianal itching at night. Tape test shows oval eggs. What parasite is responsible?
- A patient infected with undercooked pork develops seizures. Brain imaging reveals cystic lesions. What parasite is the most likely cause?