Disease: Endocarditis

Strategies and materials for the prevention and treatment of biofilms

Biofilms are sticky communities of bacteria that form on medical devices and surfaces, making infections very difficult to treat with antibiotics. This review explains how biofilms develop in stages and describes different ways to stop them from forming or to destroy them once they exist. Solutions include special coatings on medical implants, natural plant extracts like essential oils, and engineered proteins called antimicrobial peptides that fight bacteria without creating antibiotic resistance.

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Consecutive non-Aspergillus Fungal Invasive Infections in Chronic Granulomatous Disease: Data from the French National Reference Center for Primary ImmunoDeficiencies and literature review

This study examines rare but serious fungal infections in patients with chronic granulomatous disease, a genetic immune disorder. Researchers analyzed 122 cases of non-Aspergillus fungal infections from French hospitals and published literature, finding that these infections often occur despite preventive antifungal medications and are challenging to diagnose. The infections were found in the lungs most commonly but could spread to bones, brain, and other organs, with treatments including antifungal drugs, surgery, and in some cases bone marrow transplants.

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Epidemiology and outcomes of Candida-associated osteoarticular infections: A multicentre retrospective study from Turkey

Researchers in Turkey studied 73 patients with rare bone and joint infections caused by Candida fungi over 10 years. They found that about half of the infections were caused by species other than the common C. albicans, with some showing resistance to fluconazole antibiotics. Surgical procedures to clean out infected tissue significantly improved patient recovery, while patients with diabetes had worse outcomes and recovered less completely.

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

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.

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Taxonomic revision of Bisifusarium (Nectriaceae)

This study provides a comprehensive update on Bisifusarium fungi, a group that includes species used in cheese production and some that can cause human infections. Researchers examined 116 fungal isolates from around the world and identified 25 distinct lineages using DNA analysis. They formally described 8 new species and provided detailed descriptions and photos of previously poorly documented species. This work doubles the known diversity of this fungal genus and will help scientists and medical professionals better identify and understand these fungi.

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