Cryptococcosis – Page 10

Naganishia albidus Causing Perioral Cutaneous Infection: A Rare Case Easily Misdiagnosed

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A 37-year-old construction worker developed unusual scaling and itchy sores around his mouth that worsened despite treatment for eczema. Doctors eventually discovered the infection was caused by a rare yeast fungus called Naganishia albidus, which is almost never seen in healthy people. Using advanced laboratory tests and antifungal medications taken by mouth and applied to the skin, the infection completely cleared within six weeks.

Fungal β-Glucans: Biological Properties, Immunomodulatory Effects, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications

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β-glucans are natural substances found in yeast and fungi that help boost the immune system and fight cancer. They can be measured in blood to diagnose serious fungal infections and may help prevent common illnesses like colds and respiratory infections. Recent research suggests they could be useful additions to vaccines and may help patients recovering from COVID-19.

Cgm1 is a β-galactoside α-(1 → 4)-mannosyltransferase involved in the biosynthesis of capsular glucuronoxylomannogalactan in Cryptococcus neoformans

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Researchers identified a new fungal enzyme called Cgm1 that helps the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans build its protective capsule, which allows it to evade the immune system. When this enzyme is disabled, the fungus becomes weak at body temperature and triggers a stronger immune response in infected mice. Since humans and plants don’t have this enzyme, it could be a promising target for developing new antifungal medications.

Addressing Critical Fungal Pathogens Under a One Health Perspective: Key Insights from the Portuguese Association of Medical Mycology

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This comprehensive study by Portugal’s mycology experts examines four dangerous fungi that cause severe infections: Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida auris, Candida albicans, and Cryptococcus neoformans. The research shows that Portugal’s hospitals have varying capabilities to diagnose and treat these infections, with some laboratories well-equipped and others lacking advanced diagnostic tools. The study found concerning increases in antifungal resistance and highlights that these fungi live in hospitals, water systems, soil, and even animals, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches connecting human, animal, and environmental health to better protect public health.

Immunometabolic reprogramming in macrophages infected with active and dormant Cryptococcus neoformans: differential modulation of respiration, glycolysis, and fatty acid utilization

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Researchers discovered that when fungal yeast cells enter a dormant state inside immune cells, they trigger different metabolic changes compared to actively growing yeast. While active yeast pushes immune cells to work harder metabolically, dormant yeast causes minimal stress but increases fat uptake by immune cells. This difference may explain how some fungal infections can remain hidden in the body for long periods without causing symptoms.

A novel pan-fungal screening platform for antifungal drug discovery: proof of principle study

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Researchers developed a faster, more efficient screening method to test potential antifungal drugs against multiple disease-causing fungi simultaneously. Using an improved growth medium and screening 500 chemical fragments, they identified compounds with antifungal activity and demonstrated the platform can reliably detect promising drug candidates. This approach could accelerate the discovery of new antifungal medications, which are urgently needed as fungi develop resistance to current treatments.

Antifungal Activity of Selected Naphthoquinones and Their Synergistic Combination with Amphotericin B Against Cryptococcus neoformans H99

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Scientists tested five synthetic compounds called naphthoquinones to see if they could fight a serious fungal infection called cryptococcosis. They found that one compound called 2-MNQ worked well against the fungus and was even more effective when combined with a standard antifungal drug (amphotericin B). The combination was strong enough to potentially allow lower doses of the existing drug, which could reduce side effects while improving treatment outcomes.

Advances in Fungal Infection Research: From Novel Diagnostics to Innovative Therapeutics

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This editorial discusses the growing challenge of fungal infections worldwide, which disproportionately affect people with weakened immune systems. New diagnostic tools using molecular testing can now quickly identify fungal infections, while researchers are developing novel treatments including repurposed drugs and immune-boosting therapies. The article emphasizes that coordinated efforts among doctors, scientists, and public health officials are essential to combat rising antifungal resistance and improve patient outcomes.

Immunometabolic reprogramming in macrophages infected with active and dormant Cryptococcus neoformans: differential modulation of respiration, glycolysis, and fatty acid utilization

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This research examines how immune cells (macrophages) respond differently to active versus dormant forms of a dangerous fungus called Cryptococcus neoformans. The dormant form causes the immune cells to accumulate fatty acids differently than the active fungus, which may help the fungus establish long-term infections. Understanding these differences could lead to better treatments for cryptococcal infections, which are particularly dangerous for immunocompromised individuals.

Disease: Cryptococcosis