candidaemia – mycolab.ai

Candida vulturna, the Next Fungal Menace? A Narrative Review

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Candida vulturna is a newly discovered yeast that causes serious blood infections, particularly in vulnerable patients like premature infants and those with cancer. Though still rare, cases are increasingly appearing in tropical regions with documented hospital outbreaks. While the infection has a better survival rate than related species, it resists several common antifungal drugs, making treatment challenging and requiring careful use of remaining effective medications.

Epidemiology and outcomes of Candida-associated osteoarticular infections: A multicentre retrospective study from Turkey

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This study examined 73 patients in Turkey who developed bone and joint infections caused by Candida fungi over ten years. The researchers found that diabetes was very common among patients and made recovery harder, while surgery to clean out infected tissue significantly improved outcomes. Importantly, they discovered resistance to common antifungal medications was higher in certain Candida species compared to others.

The Prognostic Value of (1→3)-β-D-Glucan in COVID-19 Patients with and Without Secondary Fungal Disease

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During COVID-19 infection, a fungal marker called beta-D-glucan (BDG) in the blood can predict patient survival even without a diagnosed fungal infection. Researchers found that COVID-19 patients with high BDG levels had a 91% death rate if not treated with antifungal drugs, but this dropped to 50% when antifungal therapy was given. The high BDG levels trigger a strong inflammatory response in the body that worsens disease severity, making BDG a valuable warning sign for doctors treating critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Approaches to Invasive Fungal Diseases in Paediatric Cancer Centres: An Analysis of Current Practices and Challenges in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

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This study examined how 62 children’s cancer hospitals in Germany, Austria and Switzerland manage fungal infections in young cancer patients. Researchers found that hospitals use different methods to prevent and treat these serious infections, with some having special fungal infection experts and others not. The study revealed that larger hospitals tend to have better resources and expertise, while smaller hospitals face challenges like drug interactions and delays in getting test results.

Approaches to Invasive Fungal Diseases in Paediatric Cancer Centres: An Analysis of Current Practices and Challenges in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

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This research examined how pediatric cancer hospitals in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland manage fungal infections, which are a serious risk for children undergoing cancer treatment. The survey found that while most hospitals have infection specialists and antifungal prevention strategies, there are significant differences in how they diagnose and treat these infections. The study identified key challenges like drug interactions and delays in testing, and suggests that better networks between cancer and infection specialists could improve patient care.

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.

Renaming Candida glabrata—A case of taxonomic purity over clinical and public health pragmatism

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Candida glabrata is a common yeast infection that causes serious illnesses in humans, affecting millions of people worldwide. Scientists have recently proposed renaming it to Nakaseomyces glabrata for technical taxonomic reasons. However, this article argues against the change because it would create confusion for doctors, complicate treatment instructions on medications, disrupt disease tracking systems, and make it harder for patients to understand their conditions. Keeping the familiar name Candida glabrata is more practical and helpful for patient care and public health than strict adherence to taxonomic classification rules.

Epidemiology and outcomes of Candida-associated osteoarticular infections: A multicentre retrospective study from Turkey

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Researchers in Turkey studied 73 patients with rare bone and joint infections caused by Candida fungi over 10 years. They found that about half of the infections were caused by species other than the common C. albicans, with some showing resistance to fluconazole antibiotics. Surgical procedures to clean out infected tissue significantly improved patient recovery, while patients with diabetes had worse outcomes and recovered less completely.

The Prognostic Value of (1→3)-β-D-Glucan in COVID-19 Patients with and Without Secondary Fungal Disease

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During COVID-19, patients in intensive care sometimes develop dangerous fungal infections. Doctors use a blood test to measure a fungal marker called BDG to help diagnose these infections. This study found that even without confirmed fungal infection, high BDG levels predicted who would not survive, but giving antifungal medications improved survival even without proven infection.

Breaking the mould: challenging the status quo of clinical trial response definitions for invasive fungal diseases—a debate

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Doctors and researchers use standard definitions to determine if antifungal treatments work in clinical trials. This debate examines whether the standards created in 2008 are still appropriate today. Key concerns include whether stable disease should always count as treatment failure, how to handle deaths from other causes, and whether newer testing methods should be incorporated. The expert panel concluded these definitions need updating to reflect modern treatment options and patient needs.

Disease: candidaemia