Disease: Candida auris infection

Performance Evaluation of Five Real-Time PCR Assays for the Detection of Candida auris DNA

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Candida auris is a dangerous fungal infection that spreads in hospitals and resists common antifungal medications. Researchers compared five different rapid tests (PCR assays) to see which ones best detect this pathogen. The study found that different tests vary widely in their ability to detect the fungus, with some being much more sensitive than others. The findings highlight the need for standardized testing methods worldwide to ensure hospitals can reliably identify and control C. auris infections.

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A zinc-chelating cyclic alkyl polyamine compound is efficient and safe in a murine model of multidrug-resistant Candida auris infection

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Researchers tested a new drug called APC6 that works by trapping zinc, which fungi need to survive. In mouse studies of a dangerous resistant fungus called Candida auris, APC6 saved all treated mice while most untreated mice died. The drug also reduced fungal infections in organs without causing serious side effects, suggesting it could become a new treatment option for serious fungal infections resistant to current medicines.

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Antifungal stewardship in the UK: where are we now?

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This paper examines how well the UK is currently managing antifungal stewardship—the appropriate use of antifungal medications to treat serious fungal infections while preventing resistance. Experts found that since 2017, progress has been limited due to lack of funding and staff expertise, difficulties accessing timely fungal diagnostic tests, and disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. The panel recommends creating regional mycology networks and diagnostic centres, establishing national standards for antifungal practices, and improving education about fungal infections to better prepare the UK for rising fungal disease threats.

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A broad-spectrum anti-fungal effector dictates bacterial-fungal interkingdom interactions

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Scientists discovered that a common soil bacterium called Acidovorax citrulli has a sophisticated weapon to fight dangerous fungi. This bacterium uses a needle-like structure to inject a toxic protein called TseN directly into fungal cells, where it damages the fungal DNA and causes death. This new discovery is particularly exciting because it works against drug-resistant fungi like Candida auris that are increasingly hard to treat. Tests in mice confirmed that this bacterial attack significantly reduces fungal infections on skin.

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Advancing Patient Advocacy in Mycology: Cultivating Collaboration in Education, Research, and Policy

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Fungal infections are a serious public health problem, but unlike cancer and AIDS, they lack strong patient advocacy movements to raise awareness and secure funding. This paper argues that patients with fungal diseases have important insights about their care needs that could help improve policies and research if their voices were heard. The authors propose establishing unified advocacy organizations, like the MyCARE Foundation, to bring patients, doctors, and policymakers together to better address this neglected health challenge.

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Keep the Hospital Clean: Diagnostic Performance of Ten Different Molecular and Culture-Based Methods to Detect Candidozyma (Candida) auris

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This study tested different methods to detect a dangerous hospital fungus called Candida auris. Researchers compared growing the fungus on special plates and using molecular tests on patient samples. They found that molecular tests (qPCR) were most sensitive for detecting low levels of the fungus, while growing it on special plates worked well for higher levels. The best approach depends on whether a hospital is dealing with an outbreak or routine screening.

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