Aspergillosis – Page 7

Knowledge framework and emerging trends of invasive pulmonary fungal infection: A bibliometric analysis (2003–2023)

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This study examined 20 years of scientific research on invasive lung fungal infections using bibliometric analysis. The research found that the United States leads in fungal infection research, with emerging focus areas including COVID-19-associated fungal infections and new diagnostic methods like metagenomic sequencing. The findings show that diagnosis remains challenging and requires improved detection methods, while treatment typically involves antifungal medications like voriconazole and amphotericin-B.

Aspergillus terreus sectorization: a morphological phenomenon shedding light on amphotericin B resistance mechanism

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When Aspergillus terreus fungi are grown in laboratory conditions for extended periods, they sometimes undergo changes that make them look different and behave differently. Scientists found that these changed strains become more susceptible to amphotericin B, a common antifungal drug. By studying the genes and proteins in both the original and changed strains, researchers discovered that special proteins called P-type ATPases appear to be responsible for the fungus’s natural resistance to this drug, offering new targets for developing better antifungal treatments.

Label-Free Optical Transmission Tomography for Direct Mycological Examination and Monitoring of Intracellular Dynamics

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Scientists have developed a new imaging technology called optical transmission tomography that can directly observe living fungi without staining or special dyes. This technique reveals not only the structure of fungal cells but also shows their internal activity and metabolism in real-time. When combined with artificial intelligence, this technology could help doctors quickly identify dangerous fungal infections and choose the best treatments, potentially saving lives by speeding up diagnosis.

Characterization of fungal communities transmitted from sow to piglet

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This study examines how fungal communities pass from mother pigs to their newborns. Researchers collected samples from sow feces, sow vagina, and newborn piglet feces and analyzed their fungal composition. The findings show that newborn piglets acquire most of their gut fungi from their mother’s intestinal tract rather than her vagina. Understanding this transmission helps us learn how the healthy microbiota that protects young animals develops.

Fungal vaccines: so needed, so feasible, and yet so far off

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Fungal infections kill millions of people worldwide each year, particularly those with weakened immune systems, yet no vaccines exist to prevent them. Scientists have discovered that a specific fungal enzyme called Eng2 can trigger protective immune responses against three major disease-causing fungi. A vaccine containing this enzyme from all three fungi species could potentially protect against multiple dangerous fungal infections, though challenges like cost and the need to work in immunocompromised patients remain before such vaccines reach patients.

Characterization of the Spatiotemporal Localization of a Pan-Mucorales–Specific Antigen During Germination and Immunohistochemistry

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Researchers developed a new diagnostic test using a special antibody that can detect Mucorales fungi, which cause a serious infection called mucormycosis. The antibody glows to mark growing fungal threads in tissue samples, helping doctors identify the infection early and distinguish it from other mold infections like Aspergillus. This breakthrough could significantly improve patient outcomes by enabling faster diagnosis and treatment of this aggressive fungal disease.

A Review on Aspergillosis in Turkey: As a Main Fungal Disease in Poultry

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Aspergillosis is a serious fungal disease affecting turkeys, especially young birds, caused by breathing in fungal spores from moldy hay, compost or poorly ventilated housing. The disease causes respiratory problems, can spread to other organs, and can kill 30-50% of affected flocks. Prevention through good ventilation, clean housing and dry feed is more effective than treatment since few antifungal drugs are approved for food animals. Understanding how environmental conditions promote this disease is key to protecting turkey populations.

Liposomal amphotericin B prophylaxis in paediatrics: a systematic review

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This review examined how well liposomal amphotericin B (a fungal medication) works to prevent serious fungal infections in children. Researchers looked at 20 studies involving over 2000 children and found that about 7% still developed fungal infections despite the medication, with common side effects being low potassium levels and liver problems. The main finding is that doctors use this medication in very different ways, and we need better research to figure out the best dosing strategy for children.

China’s innovative national plan to combat fungal diseases and antifungal resistance

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China has created a comprehensive national system to fight fungal infections and drug resistance. The system monitors fungal diseases across hundreds of hospitals throughout the country to track which infections are most common and which antifungal medicines are becoming less effective. Early findings show that many hospitals lack proper facilities for testing fungal infections, and some fungi are developing resistance to commonly used antifungal drugs, particularly fluconazole.

Staurosporine as an Antifungal Agent

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Staurosporine is a natural compound from soil bacteria that can kill fungal infections. While originally known for its anti-cancer properties, scientists have recently rediscovered its strong antifungal activity, especially against dangerous drug-resistant fungi. The challenge is that it also damages human cells, but researchers are developing improved versions and combination treatments to make it safer and more effective.

Disease: Aspergillosis