Disease: eumycetoma

Exploring the Siderophore Portfolio for Mass Spectrometry-Based Diagnosis of Scedosporiosis and Lomentosporiosis

Two dangerous opportunistic fungi that cause serious infections in vulnerable patients produce distinct chemical compounds called siderophores to help them acquire iron from their hosts. Researchers used advanced mass spectrometry techniques to detect and measure these compounds, finding that one fungus produces significantly more of these iron-scavenging molecules, which may explain why it causes more severe infections. These siderophores could potentially be used as diagnostic markers in medical laboratories to quickly identify these infections in patient samples.

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Sandalwood Sesquiterpene (Z)-α-Santalol Exhibits In Vivo Efficacy Against Madurella mycetomatis in Galleria mellonella Larvae

Researchers tested sandalwood compounds against a fungal infection that causes a tropical disease called eumycetoma. Using a laboratory model with wax moth larvae infected with the fungus, they found that a specific compound called (Z)-α-santalol significantly extended the survival of infected larvae. This compound was more effective than current antifungal drugs and showed promise as a potential new treatment for this neglected tropical disease.

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Madurella tropicana and Madurella pseudomycetomatis identified as new causative agents of black grain eumycetoma in Senegal

This case report describes two patients in Senegal with a serious fungal infection called eumycetoma caused by previously unidentified fungal species. Using modern DNA sequencing methods, researchers identified the infections as being caused by Madurella tropicana and Madurella pseudomycetomatis, rather than the previously known Madurella mycetomatis. One patient treated with the antifungal drug itraconazole showed good improvement, highlighting the importance of accurate identification for proper treatment.

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Informing the World Health Organization Fungal Priority Pathogens List (WHO-FPPL): A collection of systematic reviews

The World Health Organization created a priority list of dangerous fungal infections affecting millions of people globally each year. Experts reviewed 19 different fungal pathogens and ranked them by how dangerous they are and how much they need research and treatment development. The list identifies which fungal infections should get the most attention from doctors, researchers, and public health officials to improve patient outcomes and reduce deaths.

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Kinome analysis of Madurella mycetomatis identified kinases in the cell wall integrity pathway as novel potential therapeutic drug targets in eumycetoma caused by Madurella mycetomatis

Eumycetoma is a serious fungal infection that causes large tumors under the skin and is very difficult to treat. Scientists used computer analysis to find special proteins called kinases in the fungus that might be good targets for new drugs. They discovered that proteins involved in the fungus’s cell wall are promising targets, which could lead to better treatments for this neglected disease.

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Superficial Fungal Infections in Children—What Do We Know?

Superficial fungal infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot are common in children and are caused by fungi, yeasts, or molds that spread through contact with infected people, animals, or contaminated surfaces. These infections primarily affect the scalp, skin, and nails, with scalp infections being most common in young children. Treatment typically uses topical creams for mild cases or oral medications for more severe infections, particularly those affecting nails or the scalp. Proper hygiene, avoiding contaminated areas, and limiting contact with infected individuals or animals are key to prevention.

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

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.

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Sandalwood Sesquiterpene (Z)-α-Santalol Exhibits In Vivo Efficacy Against Madurella mycetomatis in Galleria mellonella Larvae

Researchers tested sandalwood oil components against a fungal disease called eumycetoma that causes serious skin infections, especially in tropical regions. They found that one component called (Z)-α-santalol was highly effective at killing the fungus and extending survival in laboratory-infected moth larvae, while actually being relatively safe. This natural compound shows promise as a potential new treatment for this neglected disease that currently relies on expensive drugs that are only 40% effective.

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Kinome analysis of Madurella mycetomatis identified kinases in the cell wall integrity pathway as novel potential therapeutic drug targets in eumycetoma caused by Madurella mycetomatis

Eumycetoma is a serious fungal infection that causes large skin lesions and is very difficult to treat, even with long-term medication and surgery. Researchers used computer analysis to identify proteins called kinases that are essential for the fungus to survive. They found that targeting kinases involved in building the fungal cell wall could potentially lead to new treatments. By testing existing drugs, they discovered eight compounds that could inhibit fungal growth, offering hope for better treatment options.

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Simultaneous Detection of Four Madurella Species Using Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) for Eumycetoma Diagnosis

Scientists developed a simple new test to identify four types of fungi that cause a serious tropical disease called eumycetoma. Unlike previous tests that required expensive equipment and multiple reactions, this new test works in one tube using simple heating instead of complex thermal cycling. The test can detect the fungi in about 45 minutes and works reliably in remote areas with limited resources.

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