A 59-year-old patient with cancer who was receiving high doses of chemotherapy developed a secondary lung infection that was identified as a fungus.The organism disseminated,which ultimately was fatal to the patient.The organism isolated from sputum exhibited septate hyphae that were dichotomous.The organism is most likely which of the following?
A)Candida
B)Cryptococcus
C)Aspergillus
D)Zygomycetes

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Infections primarily occur in patients with some type of compromise to their immune system.The infection may be secondary to an underlying disease process,such as diabetes mellitus,or the result of an immunosuppressive agent.Although any fungus can potentially cause disease in these patients,the most commonly encountered organisms in this group include Aspergillus,Zygomycetes,Candida,and Cryptococcus,among others.All of these organisms may cause disseminated (systemic)disease.Aspergillus,however,exhibits septate hyphae that are dichotomous.

A 59-Year-Old Patient with Cancer Who Was Receiving High Doses