Inhalation of fungal spores can cause primary lung infections. Of the following organisms, which one is most likely to be associated with this mode of transmission?: (A) C. immitis, (B) S. schenckii, (C) C. albicans, (D) T. tonsurans
Answer is A. C. albicans and Candida tropicalis are opportunistic fungi, and as part of the normal flora are not transmitted by inhalation. C. immitis is a dimorphic fungus and inhalation of the spores transmits the infection. Sprothrix is also a dimorphic fungus but its portal of entry is cutaneous. Trychophyton is a dermatophyte and one of the causes of athlete's foot.