Cryptococcosis – Page 5

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

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Researchers tested five compounds called naphthoquinones for their ability to fight a dangerous fungal infection called cryptococcosis. They found that one compound called 2-MNQ works especially well when combined with the standard antifungal drug amphotericin B, making the treatment more effective. This discovery could lead to better treatments for people with weakened immune systems who are vulnerable to this infection.

Enhancing antifungal stewardship: The educational and healthcare benefits of involving pharmacy students in audits

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This study examined how pharmacy students could help improve the use of fluconazole, a common antifungal medication, in hospitals. Researchers found that nearly one-third of fluconazole prescriptions were not being used appropriately. By having pharmacy students participate in reviewing prescriptions under expert supervision, hospitals could better identify problems and educate future pharmacists, while the students gained valuable real-world experience in patient care.

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 about their use of a simple blood test that detects cryptococcal fungal infections in HIV patients before symptoms appear. The test, called cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening, can prevent serious illness and death if caught early, but the survey found that many doctors are not using it consistently. About 42% of doctors were unsure about the benefits of the test, and another 32% were confused about current screening recommendations, revealing a need for better education about this important preventive tool.

Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii and Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum infections on tissue sections: Diagnostic pitfalls and relevance of an integrated histomolecular diagnosis

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This research addresses the challenge of identifying two common fungal infections (cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis) when examining tissue samples under a microscope. The study found that these infections often look similar and can be confusing for pathologists. The researchers discovered that looking for specific fungal features, particularly ‘dented-looking’ yeasts, can help differentiate cryptococcosis from histoplasmosis. When standard laboratory tests on fresh tissue aren’t available, using molecular testing (genetic analysis) on preserved tissue samples can successfully identify the fungus in about 75% of cases.

Estimated burden of serious mycoses in Poland

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This study reveals that Poland has a significant but underreported problem with serious fungal infections affecting thousands of people annually. The most common fungal infections are yeast infections like candidosis, while mold infections like aspergillosis are the most serious in immunocompromised patients. The research shows that current reporting systems severely underestimate the true burden of these infections, highlighting the need for better surveillance and diagnostic practices.

Host-induced climate change: Carbon dioxide tolerance as a Cryptococcus neoformans virulence trait

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When fungi like Cryptococcus neoformans infect humans, they face dramatically higher levels of carbon dioxide in the body compared to the environment. This research shows that the ability to tolerate this higher CO2 is a key virulence factor that helps the fungus cause disease. Scientists discovered that clinical isolates from infected patients are generally better at tolerating CO2 than environmental strains, and this tolerance correlates with how severe infections become.

Temporal and thermal optimization of trypsin digestion for the cryptococcal proteome

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Scientists optimized the process for breaking down fungal proteins from Cryptococcus neoformans, a dangerous fungus that infects humans. By testing different digestion times and temperatures, they found that shortening the process from overnight to just 1 hour still yielded excellent results. This discovery helps researchers study this pathogen more efficiently and could lead to better treatments for cryptococcal infections.

Clinical spectrum, immune status, and prognostic factors of cryptococcosis: insights from a large, multi-center, ambispective cohort study in southeastern China

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This study examined cryptococcosis, a serious fungal infection, in 396 non-HIV patients across hospitals in southeastern China. The researchers found that patients’ immune status, whether the infection spread to the brain, and blood inflammation markers were key predictors of survival. Most patients treated with azole medications (a common antifungal) improved or recovered, though those with brain involvement or severe immune deficiency had worse outcomes. The findings help doctors identify which patients need more intensive treatment.

New bioactive secondary metabolites from fungi: 2024

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Scientists discovered 907 new compounds from fungi in 2024, with most being terpenoids and polyketides that show promise as medicines. These fungal compounds demonstrate strong activity against bacteria, fungi, and inflammation, with some showing potential against cancer and diabetes. The research uses advanced techniques like genome mining and metabolomics to find these compounds more efficiently. This accelerating discovery rate suggests fungi could be a major source for developing new drugs to treat various diseases.

Diversity and Distribution of Fungal Infections in Rwanda: High Risk and Gaps in Knowledge, Policy, and Interventions

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This comprehensive review reveals that Rwanda faces significant challenges from fungal infections affecting humans, crops, and food security, yet has very limited systems to detect, report, or manage these infections. The study found various dangerous fungi causing infections ranging from vaginal candidiasis to serious disseminated infections, as well as crop-destroying soil fungi threatening bean production. The researchers emphasize that Rwanda urgently needs better diagnostic tools, trained healthcare workers, and coordinated public health strategies to combat the growing threat of fungal diseases.

Disease: Cryptococcosis