Disease: chronic pulmonary aspergillosis

Time- and temperature-dependent Pentraxin 3 stability in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples

This study investigated how stable Pentraxin 3 (Ptx3), a protein used to detect fungal infections, remains when stored at different temperatures. Researchers found that Ptx3 stays reliable for up to 8 months in freezer storage at −20°C and even longer at −80°C, making it a dependable biomarker for diagnosing serious fungal infections. However, storing samples at room temperature (37°C) causes the protein to break down quickly, so proper cold storage is essential for accurate test results.

Read More »

Moving beyond multi-triazole to multi-fungicide resistance: Broader selection of drug resistance in the human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus

Aspergillus fumigatus is a dangerous fungal infection treated with triazole drugs, but the fungus is developing resistance to multiple antifungal medications. This resistance appears to be selected in agricultural settings where fungicides are used on crops, and resistant strains then spread to humans through the air. The problem is worse because agricultural fungicides are selecting for strains resistant to multiple drug classes at once, making infections harder to treat. Addressing this issue requires reducing fungicide use in agriculture and better strategies for managing antifungal resistance.

Read More »

Efficacy and safety of isavuconazole for invasive fungal infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Isavuconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat serious fungal infections in people with weakened immune systems. This study reviewed and analyzed three clinical trials to compare how well isavuconazole works compared to other antifungal drugs. The results showed that isavuconazole is just as effective as other antifungals but has fewer side effects, particularly fewer problems with liver health and drug-related adverse events. This makes isavuconazole a good alternative choice for patients who cannot use other antifungal medications or who are at risk of liver damage.

Read More »

Graphene nanomaterials: A new frontier in preventing respiratory fungal infections

Scientists are exploring nano-graphene oxide, a microscopic material made from graphene, as a new treatment for serious lung fungal infections. These tiny particles can kill fungal cells through multiple mechanisms and deliver antifungal drugs directly to infection sites while reducing harmful side effects. Researchers found that graphene oxide can be combined with existing antifungal medications to make them work better and even help overcome drug-resistant fungal infections.

Read More »

Efficacy and safety of isavuconazole for invasive fungal infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Isavuconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat serious fungal infections that can occur in people with weakened immune systems. This research review looked at three clinical trials comparing isavuconazole to other antifungal drugs and found it works just as well while being easier on the liver. Notably, isavuconazole caused fewer drug-related side effects and liver problems compared to voriconazole, another common antifungal drug.

Read More »

Evaluating the Potential of Galactosaminogalactan as a Diagnostic Target for Invasive Aspergillosis

Researchers developed a new test to detect invasive fungal infections caused by Aspergillus by targeting a molecule called galactosaminogalactan (GAG) on the fungus surface. The test worked very well in mice with the infection and showed better specificity than current methods. However, the test did not detect GAG in blood or other body fluids from human patients, suggesting that additional research is needed before it can be used clinically.

Read More »

Occurrence of Pathogenic and Allergenic Molds in the Outdoor and Indoor Environment of a Major Hospital and Molecular Epidemiology of Aspergillus fumigatus in Kuwait

Researchers in Kuwait found many types of mold in and around a hospital, with some being resistant to common antifungal medications. They discovered that the same mold species were found both outdoors and in the hospital environment, suggesting patients could catch infections from the surrounding air. The study identified molds that could cause serious infections in vulnerable patients and found that about 10% of environmental samples contained drug-resistant strains that were also found in sick patients.

Read More »
Scroll to Top