Cryptococcal meningitis – Page 5

Emerging Infections Network Survey of Screening for Cryptococcal Antigenemia, United States, 2024

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Researchers surveyed infectious disease doctors across the United States to understand how often they test HIV patients for cryptococcal antigen, a fungal infection that can be serious. The study found that doctors don’t consistently follow recommended screening guidelines, with many uncertain about the benefits of testing. Key barriers included confusion about testing recommendations and concerns about delaying HIV treatment, suggesting that doctors need better education about the importance of early detection.

Unveiling new features of the human pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans through the reconstruction and exploitation of a dedicated genome-scale metabolic model

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Scientists have created a detailed computer model of how the dangerous fungus Cryptococcus neoformans works at the metabolic level. By studying 890 genes and thousands of chemical reactions in this pathogen, they identified new weak points that could be targeted with future antifungal drugs. The model reveals why this fungus is particularly good at causing brain infections and shows several unique metabolic features not found in other pathogenic yeasts, offering hope for more effective treatments.

Diagnostic Capacity for Fungal Infections in Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria and Ghana – An Onsite Baseline Audit of 9 Sites

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Researchers audited fungal disease testing capabilities in major hospitals across Nigeria and Ghana. They found that most hospitals lack basic equipment, trained staff, and procedures needed to diagnose serious fungal infections like cryptococcal meningitis and invasive aspergillosis. The study highlights urgent needs for investment in laboratory infrastructure and personnel training to improve diagnosis of neglected fungal diseases in Africa.

Clinical Mycology Today: Emerging Challenges and Opportunities

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Fungal infections are becoming more common due to new cancer treatments and other medical advances, while some fungal species are developing resistance to standard antifungal medications. The good news is that several new antifungal drugs are in development with better safety profiles and novel mechanisms to fight these infections. However, the field faces challenges including limited specialized mycologists and difficulty designing clinical trials to properly test new treatments.

Disseminated cryptococcosis in an HIV patient with hepatitis C as the associated risk factor

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A 29-year-old patient with HIV and hepatitis C developed a serious fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans that spread to the brain. The infection was diagnosed through blood and spinal fluid tests and treated successfully with antifungal medications. This case shows why it is important to recognize and treat fungal infections quickly in people with weakened immune systems and multiple health conditions.

Effects of simulated microgravity on biological features and virulence of the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans

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Scientists studied how a dangerous fungus called Cryptococcus neoformans behaves in space-like conditions. They found that in simulated microgravity, the fungus becomes more dangerous by developing thicker protective capsules and producing more melanin, while also becoming more resistant to certain stresses. Interestingly, the fungus became more sensitive to one antifungal drug but maintained resistance to others. When tested on microscopic worms, the fungus grown in simulated microgravity killed them more quickly, suggesting space conditions could make this fungus more harmful to astronauts.

Co-Infection of Pulmonary Aspergillosis and Cryptococcal Meningitis in an HIV-Positive Patient: A Case Report

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This case describes a man with undiagnosed HIV who developed two serious fungal infections at the same time: a lung infection caused by Aspergillus fungus and a brain infection caused by Cryptococcus fungus. His extremely low immune system (CD4 count of 41) made him vulnerable to multiple opportunistic infections. Despite treatment with antifungal medications, his condition worsened and he passed away, highlighting the dangers of late HIV diagnosis.

Fungi under fire: diagnostic capacities and antifungal availability in Peruvian healthcare facilities

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This study examined how well Peruvian hospitals can diagnose and treat serious fungal infections across the country. Researchers surveyed 54 healthcare centers and found that while basic fungal tests are available everywhere, advanced diagnostic tools and certain antifungal medications are mostly limited to the capital city of Lima. The research identifies major gaps in care that need to be addressed to help more patients survive these serious infections.

Ex Vivo Host Transcriptomics During Cryptococcus neoformans, Cryptococcus gattii, and Candida albicans Infection of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells From South African Volunteers

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Researchers studied how human immune cells respond to three different fungal infections that commonly affect people with weakened immune systems. By examining gene activity in blood cells exposed to these fungi, they discovered that each fungus triggers different immune responses, with Candida albicans causing a much stronger reaction than the two Cryptococcus species. Only one shared immune pathway was activated by all three fungi, suggesting each infection requires different immune mechanisms to fight off. These findings could help develop new treatments for serious fungal infections.

Immunomodulatory activity of Pleurotus pulmonarius crude extract to human monocyte against Cryptococcus neoformans

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This research shows that an extract from the Phoenix oyster mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonarius) can boost the body’s immune cells to fight dangerous fungal infections caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. When immune cells are pre-exposed to this mushroom extract and then encounter the fungus, they become more effective at killing it through increased production of immune-signaling molecules and reactive oxygen species. This natural supplement approach offers a promising alternative to traditional antifungal drugs, which often have significant side effects and can lead to drug resistance.

Disease: Cryptococcal meningitis