fungal infection – Page 3

The Antimicrobial Extract Derived from Pseudomonas sp. HP-1 for Inhibition of Aspergillus flavus Growth and Prolongation of Maize Seed Storage

mycolabadmin

Researchers discovered that a beneficial bacterium called Pseudomonas sp. HP-1 can produce a natural compound that effectively prevents mold contamination in stored maize seeds. The extract from this bacterium showed strong antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus, a major cause of aflatoxin contamination in grain storage. The main protective compound was identified as phenazinecarboxylic acid, which works by damaging the cell membranes of fungal cells. This finding offers a promising eco-friendly alternative to synthetic chemical fungicides for protecting stored crops.

Dual fungal endocarditis in a pediatric dialysis patient: First case of Aspergillus flavus and Candida parapsilosis co-infection

mycolabadmin

A 13-year-old boy with kidney disease requiring dialysis developed a rare dual fungal heart infection caused by two different fungi simultaneously. Doctors diagnosed the infection using heart imaging, blood tests, and tissue examination, then treated him with antifungal medications and two heart surgeries to remove infected tissue and replace a damaged heart valve. Despite the extreme rarity and severity of this condition, the patient survived, which had never been reported in children before.

Roles of NADPH oxidases in regulating redox homeostasis and pathogenesis of the poplar canker fungus Cytospora chrysosperma

mycolabadmin

Poplar trees suffer from a serious fungal disease caused by Cytospora chrysosperma that devastates plantations. Scientists discovered that three genes controlling enzyme complexes called NADPH oxidases are critical for the fungus to cause disease. When these genes are removed, the fungus cannot produce enough of a toxic acid it uses to attack trees, and the fungus cells become stressed and damaged. These findings suggest new ways to control the disease by targeting these enzyme complexes.

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

mycolabadmin

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.

Comparative Study and Transcriptomic Analysis on the Antifungal Mechanism of Ag Nanoparticles and Nanowires Against Trichosporon asahii

mycolabadmin

Researchers compared two types of tiny silver particles (nanoparticles and nanowires) as potential treatments for a dangerous fungal infection caused by Trichosporon asahii. Silver nanowires were found to be more effective than nanoparticles at killing the fungus by damaging its cell membranes and disrupting its energy production. The study identified 15 key genes involved in how silver nanowires attack the fungus, suggesting these nanomaterials could become useful alternatives to traditional antifungal drugs.

Inhibitive effect of Urginea epigea methanolic extract and silver/zinc oxide nanoparticles on Aspergillus and aflatoxin production

mycolabadmin

Scientists tested a plant called Urginea epigea and special tiny particles made of silver and zinc to stop a dangerous fungus called Aspergillus flavus from growing and producing aflatoxins, which are harmful poisons found in food. When used at the right concentration, the plant extract completely stopped the fungus from growing. The treatment worked by turning off the fungus’s ability to make the poison by reducing the activity of specific genes. This natural approach could offer a safer alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting our food supply.

Deubiquitinase Ubp5 is essential for pulmonary immune evasion and hematogenous dissemination of Cryptococcus neoformans

mycolabadmin

This study shows that removing a fungal enzyme called Ubp5 from Cryptococcus neoformans significantly weakens the fungus and allows the body’s immune system to fight the infection more effectively. The fungus without Ubp5 loses its ability to hide from the immune system, triggering stronger protective immune responses including more T cells and beneficial inflammatory signals. This research suggests that targeting Ubp5 could be a promising strategy to help treat cryptococcal infections by enhancing the body’s natural defense mechanisms.

Targeted long-read sequencing analysis and antifungal susceptibility profiles of Sporothrix schenckii isolates from Thailand

mycolabadmin

This research examined a fungal infection called sporotrichosis found in Thailand, particularly in cats and humans. Scientists used advanced DNA sequencing technology to accurately identify which species of the fungus caused the infections and understand how they are related to each other. They also tested how well common antifungal medications work against these fungi, finding that some strains have become resistant to itraconazole, the main drug used to treat sporotrichosis.

The first described case of Fomitiporella micropora infection in humans: A heart transplant recipient diagnosed by fungal PCR

mycolabadmin

A patient who received a heart transplant developed a small, slowly-growing lump on his shin over many years. After surgical removal, genetic testing revealed it was caused by a rare fungus never before identified in humans. The surgical removal likely cured the infection, and the case shows how important advanced genetic testing methods are for identifying unusual infections in transplant patients.

Clinical and Molecular Characterization of Feline Sporotrichosis in the Brazilian Amazon: PCR-Based Identification of Sporothrix brasiliensis

mycolabadmin

This research studied a fungal disease called sporotrichosis that affects cats in the Brazilian Amazon and can spread to humans. Most infected cats were young males that roamed freely outdoors and had skin lesions on their faces and paws. Researchers tested different laboratory methods to identify the fungus and found that a specific technique extracted DNA best. They confirmed that Sporothrix brasiliensis was the cause and tested how well common antifungal medications work against it, finding that some drugs work better than others.

Disease: fungal infection