diabetes mellitus – Page 5

A prospective, multicenter study of invasive fungal disease caused by molds in children and adults in Chile

mycolabadmin

Researchers in Chile studied serious mold infections in 176 hospitalized patients (adults and children) over two years. They found that aspergillosis (a lung infection caused by Aspergillus mold) was the most common, especially in patients whose immune systems were compromised by cancer, transplants, or medications. Interestingly, nearly 40% of cases also involved COVID-19 infection. Although almost all patients received antifungal medications, survival rates were concerning, with about one-third of patients still alive after six months.

Trichosporon species bloodstream infections in a tertiary care hospital in the western region of Saudi Arabia: A 7-year retrospective chart review from 2016 to 2022

mycolabadmin

This study examined a rare but dangerous fungal infection called Trichosporonosis that affects the bloodstream in hospitalized patients. Researchers found that this infection kills about 60% of patients despite treatment with antifungal medications. The infection is often caused by a fungus called Trichosporon asahii and typically occurs in patients with weakened immune systems who are already hospitalized and using catheters.

Biofilms and Chronic Wounds: Pathogenesis and Treatment Options

mycolabadmin

Chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and burn injuries, are often complicated by bacterial and fungal biofilms—protective communities of microorganisms that resist antibiotics and delay healing. This review summarizes how biofilms form, why they are difficult to treat with standard approaches, and discusses new therapeutic strategies. While debridement and antiseptics remain important, combining them with novel treatments like bacteriophages, enzyme therapies, and nanotechnology offers better chances for healing these stubborn wounds.

Clinical Challenges and Predictive Risk Factors for Outcomes in COVID-19–Associated Mucormycosis

mycolabadmin

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a dangerous fungal infection called mucormycosis has become a serious complication, especially for patients with uncontrolled diabetes or those taking certain medications. Researchers studied 180 patients with this condition and found that the infection can spread from the sinuses to the eyes and brain, leading to severe outcomes. The most important factors in surviving this infection are early detection, keeping blood sugar controlled, careful use of steroids, and aggressive treatment with antifungal medications and sometimes surgery.

The expression of fungal CotH, human glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), and predicted miRNAs in macrophages and diabetic mice infected with Rhizopus oryzae

mycolabadmin

Mucormycosis is a serious fungal infection caused by Rhizopus oryzae that is particularly dangerous for people with diabetes. This study shows that a fungal protein called CotH3 attaches to a human cell receptor called GRP78, allowing the fungus to invade cells more easily in diabetic patients. The research found that diabetes increases GRP78 production, making fungal invasion more likely, while antifungal treatment (liposomal amphotericin B) can reduce the expression of both CotH3 and GRP78.

Epidemiology of mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients in northwest Iran: Rhizopus arrhizus as the predominant species

mycolabadmin

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some patients developed a severe fungal infection called mucormycosis alongside their coronavirus infection. This study found that 63 COVID-19 patients in Iran developed mucormycosis, which primarily affected the sinuses and brain. The researchers identified that a fungus called Rhizopus arrhizus caused most infections, and patients who received corticosteroids (used to treat severe COVID-19) had a higher risk, especially those who developed diabetes from the steroids.

Mass Spectrometry-Based Untargeted Metabolomics and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity of Lingzhi (Ganoderma lingzhi) During the Developmental Stages

mycolabadmin

Scientists studied how the medicinal mushroom Lingzhi changes chemically as it grows from mycelium through various stages to mature fruiting bodies. They found that the mushroom contains many beneficial compounds, including special molecules called triterpenoids, that help block α-glucosidase, an enzyme involved in blood sugar control. Interestingly, the immature mushroom stage showed the strongest anti-diabetic activity, suggesting farmers should harvest at specific times depending on desired health benefits rather than always waiting for full maturity.

Disseminated subcutaneous sporotrichosis in an immunocompetent patient: A case report and a systematic literature review

mycolabadmin

A 74-year-old man developed painful red masses on his arm and hand after being stuck by a tree branch. Tests identified the infection was caused by a fungus called Sporothrix schenckii. Despite having a normal immune system, the infection had spread across his arm in an unusual pattern. Treatment with an antifungal medication called itraconazole completely healed the lesions within four months without any scarring.

Mixed Infection With Aspergillosis and Actinomycosis in the Maxillary Sinus: A Case Report

mycolabadmin

A 74-year-old woman with diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis developed a rare dual infection in her maxillary sinus (a cavity above the teeth) caused by both a fungus (Aspergillus) and bacteria (Actinomyces). Imaging tests initially suggested only fungal infection, but surgery and tissue examination revealed both organisms were present. The patient was successfully treated with surgical removal of the infected material combined with antibiotics, leading to complete recovery.

Invasive Candidiasis in Contexts of Armed Conflict, High Violence, and Forced Displacement in Latin America and the Caribbean (2005–2025)

mycolabadmin

Invasive candidiasis, a serious fungal blood infection caused by Candida species, is a major health crisis in Latin America and the Caribbean with death rates reaching 60% in vulnerable populations. The disease is worsening in areas affected by armed conflict, violence, and displacement where poor living conditions, overcrowding, malnutrition, and lack of healthcare create ideal conditions for the infection to develop and spread. Antifungal drugs are often unavailable or too expensive, and drug-resistant strains of Candida are becoming increasingly common, making treatment extremely challenging in these regions.

Disease: diabetes mellitus