fungal infections – Page 16

A broad-spectrum anti-fungal effector dictates bacterial-fungal interkingdom interactions

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Scientists discovered that a common soil bacterium called Acidovorax citrulli has a sophisticated weapon to fight dangerous fungi. This bacterium uses a needle-like structure to inject a toxic protein called TseN directly into fungal cells, where it damages the fungal DNA and causes death. This new discovery is particularly exciting because it works against drug-resistant fungi like Candida auris that are increasingly hard to treat. Tests in mice confirmed that this bacterial attack significantly reduces fungal infections on skin.

Identification of Non-fumigatus Aspergillus Species in Clinical Samples from Southern California

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Researchers in Southern California studied fungal infections caused by Aspergillus, a common mold that can infect humans. They found that species other than the traditionally dangerous A. fumigatus are now being detected more frequently in patient samples, particularly from skin and respiratory infections. These non-fumigatus species showed interesting seasonal patterns and some may be resistant to standard antifungal treatments, suggesting doctors may need to adjust their treatment strategies.

Superhydrophobic Fatty Acid-Based Spray Coatings with Dual-Mode Antifungal Activity

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Researchers developed special water-repellent coatings made from natural fatty acids that can prevent fungal infections. These coatings work in two ways: they physically prevent fungi from sticking to surfaces through their bumpy structure, and they chemically kill fungi that do land on them. The coatings can be easily sprayed on like paint and offer an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional antifungal treatments that are becoming less effective.

Screening of Basidiomycete Strains Capable of Synthesizing Antibacterial and Antifungal Metabolites

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Researchers tested 18 different types of wood-decay fungi (basidiomycetes) to see if they could produce natural antibiotics and antifungal compounds. They found that 16 of the 18 strains successfully produced antimicrobial substances. Five strains were particularly promising, showing strong activity against dangerous bacteria including antibiotic-resistant strains. The study identified specific chemical compounds from these fungi that could potentially be developed into new medicines.

Deep learning application to hyphae and spores identification in fungal fluorescence images

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Researchers developed an artificial intelligence system that can automatically identify fungal infections in microscope images as accurately as experienced doctors. The system uses two different AI models working together to spot fungal spores, thread-like hyphae, and mycelium in fluorescence images. This technology could significantly reduce the time doctors spend analyzing samples and help ensure more accurate diagnoses, especially in hospitals with fewer experienced specialists.

Persistent Candidemia: Predictors and Outcomes in a Multicenter Matched Analysis

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This study examined cases where fungal infections caused by Candida persisted in the bloodstream even after starting antifungal treatment. Researchers compared 46 patients with persistent infections to 92 control patients without persistent infections across three major medical centers. Patients with persistent candidemia were younger, more likely to be female, had more health complications, and sadly had much higher death rates (54% vs 31%) within 90 days. The findings suggest that certain patient characteristics and fungal species types may help identify those at higher risk of persistent infections.

Phytochemical Profile and Antimicrobial Activities of Edible Mushroom Termitomyces striatus

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Researchers studied an edible mushroom called Termitomyces striatus traditionally consumed in Africa and Asia to understand its disease-fighting properties. They found that extracts from this mushroom contain beneficial compounds that can kill harmful bacteria and fungi in laboratory tests. The dichloromethane extract was the most effective, showing strong activity against multiple disease-causing bacteria and the yeast Candida albicans. This suggests the mushroom could potentially be developed into new natural antimicrobial treatments.

A GDP-mannose-1-phosphate guanylyltransferase as a potential HIGS target against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

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Scientists identified a critical fungal protein called SsMPG2 that helps the plant disease-causing fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum infect crops and survive. When this protein is silenced using genetic engineering techniques, plants become resistant to the fungus. The research shows this protein is important in many plant-pathogenic fungi, making it a promising target for developing disease-resistant crops through genetic modification.

Co-transformation of Aspergillus fumigatus: a simple and efficient strategy for gene editing without linking selectable markers

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Scientists have developed a new technique for editing genes in a dangerous fungal pathogen called Aspergillus fumigatus. Instead of permanently attaching antibiotic resistance markers to the target genes (which can interfere with normal gene function), they use a clever strategy of introducing two different DNA pieces simultaneously. One piece makes the desired gene edit while the second introduces a resistance marker to a completely different location in the genome. This approach is simple, inexpensive, and works about 11% of the time, making it practical for identifying successfully edited strains.

Positive interaction between melatonin and methyl jasmonate enhances Fusarium wilt resistance in Citrullus lanatus

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This research shows that two plant compounds, melatonin and methyl jasmonate, work together to protect watermelon plants from a devastating fungal disease called Fusarium wilt. When applied to plant roots at specific concentrations, these compounds activate the plant’s natural defense mechanisms and directly slow down fungal growth. Importantly, the two compounds enhance each other’s effects, creating a protective cycle that makes the plant significantly more resistant to infection, offering a natural alternative to chemical pesticides.

Disease: fungal infections