Disease: fungal infection

Severe Outbreak of Saprolegnia Spp. Infection in Spotted Snakehead (Channa punctata, Bloch 1793): Clinical Assessment, Histopathology, Haemato-Biochemical Indices and Insights Into Therapeutic Effects

A severe fungal infection called saprolegniasis was found in 85% of spotted snakehead fish from Bangladesh, causing cotton-like growths, fin damage, and mass mortality. Researchers tested four different treatments over 10 days, finding that combining warm water (30°C) with saltwater (2% NaCl) was most effective, resulting in 70% survival compared to only 23% in untreated fish. This natural, cost-effective treatment approach could help fish farmers reduce losses from fungal diseases without relying on toxic chemicals.

Read More »

Standardization of challenge inoculation protocols for artificial infection of Fusarium acutatum and Fusarium falciforme causing basal rot of onion

This research develops standardized methods for infecting onion bulbs with fungal diseases in laboratory settings to test which onion varieties can resist the infection. Two Fusarium fungi species that cause onion basal rot were tested using five different inoculation techniques. The cotton swab method proved most effective and practical for screening large numbers of onion plants. These findings will help farmers and plant breeders develop onion varieties resistant to these economically important diseases.

Read More »

Peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis caused by Fusarium: a case report and literature review

A 61-year-old farmer with kidney disease on peritoneal dialysis developed a rare fungal infection caused by Fusarium, a fungus found in soil and water. After initial antibiotics failed, doctors identified the fungus and switched to an antifungal medication called voriconazole. By carefully monitoring drug levels in the patient’s blood and adjusting doses, pharmacists helped achieve a successful recovery with complete resolution of symptoms.

Read More »

The P-type calcium pump Spf1 regulates immune response by maintenance of the endoplasmic reticulum-plasma membrane contacts during Candida albicans systemic infection

A fungal pump protein called Spf1 helps Candida albicans secrete toxins that damage the immune system during infection. When researchers deleted the SPF1 gene, the fungus could not effectively release these toxins, triggering a much weaker immune response and allowing infected mice to survive better. This discovery suggests that controlling this calcium pump could be a new strategy for treating serious fungal infections.

Read More »

Invasive Cutaneous Mucormycosis in a Patient With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia on Obinutuzumab, Idelalisib, and Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Degrader: A Case Report

A 74-year-old man with blood cancer developed a serious fungal skin infection caused by Mucorales while taking multiple targeted cancer drugs. The infection appeared as a darkening ulcer on his ankle that rapidly worsened. Doctors diagnosed it using a skin biopsy showing characteristic fungal structures, though standard fungal tests came back negative. The patient required amputation of his leg below the knee to remove all the infected tissue, along with antifungal medications, and ultimately recovered.

Read More »

Dermatophytosis in a Chilean fox: first case of Nannizzia gypsea in Lycalopex griseus and the need for a one health approach

Researchers reported the first case of a fungal skin infection caused by Nannizzia gypsea in a wild South American grey fox found near Santiago, Chile. The fox developed crusted and scaly lesions on its tail, which were successfully treated with topical antifungal cream. This discovery highlights how increasing contact between domestic pets, wild animals, and humans due to urbanization can spread fungal infections, emphasizing the need for integrated health approaches that consider human, animal, and environmental health together.

Read More »

RttA, a Zn2-Cys6 transcription factor in Aspergillus fumigatus, contributes to azole resistance

Researchers discovered that a fungal protein called RttA plays a key role in helping Aspergillus fumigatus resist azole antifungal drugs. By studying mutant strains, they found that RttA acts as a master switch controlling genes that reduce the effectiveness of antifungal medications. This finding is important because it could help develop new strategies to treat fungal infections that are becoming resistant to current medications.

Read More »

Emerging Infections Network Survey of Screening for Cryptococcal Antigenemia, United States, 2024

Researchers surveyed infectious disease doctors across the United States about how often they screen HIV patients for cryptococcal infections using a simple blood test. They found that only about one-third to two-thirds of doctors regularly perform this screening despite guidelines recommending it. Many doctors expressed uncertainty about whether the screening is beneficial or weren’t sure about the official recommendations, suggesting a need for better education about this potentially life-saving test.

Read More »

Effect of Temperature, Relative Humidity, and Incubation Time on the Mycotoxin Production by Fusarium spp. Responsible for Dry Rot in Potato Tubers

This research examines how temperature and humidity during potato storage affect the growth of disease-causing fungi and their toxic byproducts. The study found that warmer, more humid storage conditions dramatically increase both fungal growth and dangerous toxin production in potatoes. Certain potato varieties became more susceptible to disease as they were stored longer. The toxin levels detected exceeded European safety limits, suggesting contaminated potatoes should be removed to protect consumer health.

Read More »

Oo-No: Ophidiomyces ophidiicola-bacterial interactions and the role of skin lipids in development of ophidiomycosis

A fungal disease called ophidiomycosis is spreading among wild snakes around the world. This disease is caused by a fungus that interacts with the natural bacteria living on snake skin and with oils naturally produced by the skin. Certain helpful bacteria on snake skin can fight off the fungus by producing special compounds, but when the fungus takes over, it damages these protective bacteria, leading to worse infection. Understanding these interactions could help develop new ways to protect snakes from this emerging disease.

Read More »
Scroll to Top