Mycology/Parasitology USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 55-year-old woman with poorly controlled diabetes (HbA1c 10.2%) presents with a painful black eschar on her nasal bridge and palate. Vital signs show temperature 38.9°C, heart rate 102/min, blood pressure 142/88 mmHg, and respiratory rate 18/min. She reports facial swelling and denies recent trauma. CT imaging reveals acute sinusitis with tissue necrosis. Histology demonstrates broad, non-septate hyphae with right-angle branching invading blood vessels. Which organism is responsible for this invasive infection?
Answer choices
- ACandida auris
- BAspergillus fumigatus
- CRhizopus speciesCorrect answer
- DCryptococcus neoformans
- EMucor species
- FFusarium solani
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