Disease: eumycetoma

Protoplast-mediated transformation of Madurella mycetomatis using hygromycin resistance as a selection marker

Scientists have successfully developed a genetic engineering method for Madurella mycetomatis, the fungus that causes mycetoma, a serious tropical disease. They used a technique to remove the fungal cell wall and insert genes into the cells, creating strains that produce green fluorescent protein (GFP). This breakthrough enables researchers to better understand how this fungus causes disease and to develop new treatments.

Read More »

Superficial Fungal Infections in Children—What Do We Know?

Fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails are increasingly common in children worldwide, especially in warm, humid climates and in crowded living conditions. These infections are caused by germs that live on the skin and can spread through contact with infected people or animals. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their developing immune systems, but most infections are treatable with topical creams or oral medications, with terbinafine being the most effective option currently available.

Read More »

Phaeohyphomycosis due to Nigrograna chromolaenae in a cardiac transplant patient

A 71-year-old heart transplant patient developed a slowly growing bump on his finger caused by a rare fungus called Nigrograna chromolaenae. Doctors initially tried common antifungal medications that didn’t work well, but the patient improved significantly when switched to posaconazole treatment. This is the first documented case of this particular fungus infecting a human, highlighting the importance of accurately identifying fungi to choose the right treatment.

Read More »

Itraconazole resistance in Madurella fahalii linked to a distinct homolog of the gene encoding cytochrome P450 14-α sterol demethylase (CYP51)

A fungal infection called mycetoma caused by Madurella fahalii doesn’t respond to a common antifungal drug called itraconazole. Researchers discovered that this fungus has an extra gene that produces a protein that resists the drug, which isn’t found in a similar fungus that remains susceptible. This finding could help develop better treatments for mycetoma patients in the future.

Read More »
Scroll to Top