Chapter 12, Problem 1EDCS

Matt spent four weeks in the hospital. The worst days were those when he was aware. The sheer terror of knowing his brain was being pierced by thin hyphal threads, digesting his personality away, was almost more than Matt could stand. He looked forward to the times he would lapse into unconsciousness, even though he knew that each period of wakefulness might be his last.

A medical miracle in the form of a new antifungal drug (voriconazole) brought Matt back to life. The invasive mold was defeated, and Matt returned home grateful, aware that life is precious and hopeful that no more spores floated his way.

1. 1. How could a microbiologist determine that the fungus in Matt’s lung was an ascomycete rather than a basidiomycete?
2. 2. Why is aspergillosis emerging as a “new” disease?
3. 3. Why is a powerful drug like voriconazole effective against fungi but relatively harmless to humans?