candidiasis – Page 8

Deletion of RAP1 affects iron homeostasis, azole resistance, and virulence in Candida albicans

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Researchers found that a protein called Rap1 plays a critical role in how the dangerous fungus Candida albicans acquires and uses iron, which is essential for its survival in the human body. When the RAP1 gene was deleted, the fungus became much less virulent and lethal in infected mice, while paradoxically becoming more resistant to the antifungal drug fluconazole under iron-limited conditions. These findings suggest that targeting iron acquisition through Rap1 could be a new therapeutic strategy against serious fungal infections.

Global status and trends of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis: A bibliometric study

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This study analyzes 24 years of research on invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, a serious fungal infection in immunocompromised patients. Using bibliometric tools, researchers mapped out how the field has evolved, identifying leading countries (USA, Germany, China), key experts like David Denning and Thomas Walsh, and shifting research focus from transplant-related infections to COVID-19-associated cases. The analysis shows the field is rapidly growing with increasing emphasis on rapid diagnostic methods and antifungal therapies.

Dual fungal endocarditis in a pediatric dialysis patient: First case of Aspergillus flavus and Candida parapsilosis co-infection

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A 13-year-old boy with kidney disease requiring dialysis developed a rare dual fungal heart infection caused by two different fungi simultaneously. Doctors diagnosed the infection using heart imaging, blood tests, and tissue examination, then treated him with antifungal medications and two heart surgeries to remove infected tissue and replace a damaged heart valve. Despite the extreme rarity and severity of this condition, the patient survived, which had never been reported in children before.

Clinical aspects and recent advances in fungal diseases impacting human health

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Fungal infections are becoming a major health threat, affecting over a billion people worldwide. The main problems are difficulty diagnosing these infections, increasing resistance to current medications, and limited treatment options. Doctors and the public need better awareness, and new antifungal drugs with different approaches are needed to effectively treat resistant infections.

Conjugation of a Cryptococcus neoformans-derived metalloprotease to antifungal-loaded PLGA nanoparticles treats neural cryptococcosis in an in vitro model

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Researchers developed special nanoparticles that can cross the protective barrier surrounding the brain by using a protein from a fungal infection. These nanoparticles are loaded with an antifungal drug and can effectively treat cryptococcal brain infections in laboratory tests. This approach offers a new way to deliver medicines to the brain without invasive procedures, potentially helping patients with serious brain infections that are currently difficult to treat.

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.

Acute fungal endometritis in women with abnormal uterine bleeding: Clinical and microbiological insights

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Women with persistent abnormal uterine bleeding often undergo extensive testing without finding a cause. This study discovered that fungal infections, caused by Candida species, may be responsible for about 12% of such cases. The researchers found that direct sampling of the uterine lining is essential for diagnosis since surface vaginal cultures miss these infections. Treatment with an antifungal medication called voriconazole combined with surgical cleaning of the uterus proved effective in resolving the condition.

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.

The ATO gene family governs Candida albicans colonization in the dysbiotic gastrointestinal tract

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This study shows that the fungus Candida albicans uses a family of protein transporters called ATO to absorb acetate, a fatty acid produced by gut bacteria. When mice were treated with antibiotics that killed their beneficial bacteria, C. albicans could colonize their guts better if it had working ATO transporters. The research reveals that fungi have evolved special systems to take advantage of nutrients left behind when the normal gut bacteria are disrupted, which helps explain why fungal infections are more common after antibiotic use.

Increasing postgraduate medical mycology research dissertations at Uganda’s higher institution of learning

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This study shows how providing research funding helped increase medical mycology studies at a Ugandan university. Over just two years, the percentage of graduate student research focused on fungal diseases jumped from 16% to 40%. Students studied important fungal infections like cryptococcal meningitis and candida, using modern laboratory techniques. The research group’s collaborative learning approach and financial support enabled students to complete their studies on time and advance understanding of fungal diseases that significantly impact public health.

Disease: candidiasis