fungemia – Page 2 – mycolab.ai

The association of Yarrowia lipolytica with onychomycosis

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A 20-year-old woman suffered from a persistent toenail infection that didn’t respond to several standard antifungal treatments over five years. Researchers identified the culprit as Yarrowia lipolytica, a rare yeast not previously known to cause nail infections. Testing showed this yeast was resistant to common antifungal medications the patient had received, explaining why previous treatments failed. This unusual case highlights the importance of properly identifying fungal pathogens and testing them for drug resistance before starting treatment.

Detection of Multiple Nosocomial Trichosporon asahii Transmission Events via Microsatellite Typing Assay, South America

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Researchers developed a genetic fingerprinting tool called microsatellite typing to track and identify outbreaks of a dangerous fungus called Trichosporon asahii in hospitals. This fungus causes life-threatening infections, especially in sick patients with weakened immune systems, and is resistant to many antifungal medications. By analyzing samples from hospitals across South America, scientists discovered multiple instances where the same strain of this fungus infected patients in different hospitals over many years. This new testing method is much cheaper and faster than other genetic tests, making it practical for hospitals worldwide to monitor and control infections caused by this emerging pathogen.

Sarocladium implicatum: an unusual agent of opportunistic infection in a COVID-19 patient

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A 64-year-old man hospitalized with COVID-19 developed a serious fungal infection from Sarocladium implicatum, an unusual fungus rarely found in humans. The infection appeared in his bloodstream and lungs while his immune system was severely weakened by the virus and medications. Doctors identified the fungus using genetic testing and successfully treated him with voriconazole antifungal medication. This case highlights how COVID-19 patients in intensive care are vulnerable to rare opportunistic infections that require specialized laboratory testing to identify and treat.

Trichosporon species bloodstream infections in a tertiary care hospital in the western region of Saudi Arabia: A 7-year retrospective chart review from 2016 to 2022

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This study examined a rare but dangerous fungal infection called Trichosporonosis that affects the bloodstream in hospitalized patients. Researchers found that this infection kills about 60% of patients despite treatment with antifungal medications. The infection is often caused by a fungus called Trichosporon asahii and typically occurs in patients with weakened immune systems who are already hospitalized and using catheters.

First case of fungemia caused by a rare and pan-echinocandin resistant yeast Sporopachydermia lactativora in China

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A 37-year-old woman with leukemia developed a rare blood infection caused by a yeast called Sporopachydermia lactativora, which had never been documented to cause bloodstream infection in China before. This yeast is naturally resistant to a common class of antifungal drugs called echinocandins, making it particularly challenging to treat. However, the patient responded well to a different antifungal medication called voriconazole and fully recovered. The researchers suggest that this unusual yeast should be monitored in hospitals as it could become a more common infection in vulnerable patients.

Invasive fungal infections caused by rare yeast-like fungi in adult patients: results of a prospective study

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This study examined rare fungal infections in 30 critically ill adult patients over 18 years, finding that infections caused by uncommon yeasts like Trichosporon and Rhodotorula affected mainly long-term ICU patients with central lines. Despite treatment with antifungal medications, about 37% of patients died, highlighting the serious nature of these infections. The research emphasizes the importance of quickly identifying the specific fungus causing infection and using appropriate medications, along with removing infected catheters, to improve patient survival.

Invasive Saprochaete capitata Infection in an Immunocompromised Patient With Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Case Report

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A 46-year-old man with blood cancer developed a serious fungal infection caused by Saprochaete capitata during chemotherapy. This rare but dangerous fungus was found in his blood and lungs, causing fever and breathing problems. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of two antifungal medications and fully recovered, though this infection typically has a high death rate.

Screening of yeasts in the oral microbiota of bats (Chiroptera) in Piauí, Brazil

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Researchers collected oral samples from 47 bats in Brazil and found that over 40% carried yeast species, including some dangerous types like Candida albicans that cause infections in humans. The study identified that bats living near human settlements may serve as reservoirs for these disease-causing fungi, especially during rainy seasons when conditions favor yeast growth. This discovery highlights the importance of monitoring wildlife for infectious diseases to prevent them from spreading to humans.

Fungal sepsis in a 7-month-old female: diagnosis through peripheral blood smear

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A 7-month-old girl with persistent fever that did not respond to antibiotics was found to have a yeast infection in her blood through examination of a blood sample under a microscope. This discovery was unusual because such infections are typically difficult to spot without special culture tests. After treatment with the antifungal medication fluconazole, the child recovered completely. This case shows how simple microscopy can help diagnose serious fungal infections in areas where advanced laboratory testing is not available.

Clinical insights into mixed Candida and bacterial bloodstream infections: a retrospective cohort study

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This study found that when both Candida fungus and bacteria are present together in a patient’s bloodstream, the outcome is much more serious than when only Candida is present. Among patients with these mixed infections, over 60% died within 30 days compared to about 52% for those with only Candida. The research shows that giving the right antibiotics early and following proper treatment guidelines can significantly improve survival chances in these severe, life-threatening infections.

Disease: fungemia