Disease: healthcare-associated infections

Obtaining and Studying the Properties of Composite Materials from ortho-, meta-, para-Carboxyphenylmaleimide and ABS

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Researchers developed new plastic materials based on ABS that can resist bacterial and fungal growth, making them ideal for medical equipment and food packaging. By adding special chemical additives (carboxyphenylmaleimides) to the plastic, the materials became antibacterial while maintaining their useful properties like strength and heat resistance. The study tested three different versions of these additives and found that all performed well against dangerous bacteria like E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with the potential to reduce infection risks in hospitals and healthcare settings.

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Candida auris: Outbreak, surveillance and epidemiological monitoring in Northern Greece

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A dangerous fungus called Candida auris caused an outbreak in hospitals in Northern Greece starting in October 2022. This fungus is particularly concerning because it is resistant to many commonly used antifungal drugs, especially fluconazole. Researchers monitored and tracked the outbreak across multiple hospitals, finding that all cases belonged to the same genetic type (Clade I) and were treatable with certain alternative antifungal medications. The study emphasizes the importance of careful laboratory surveillance and coordinated infection control measures to prevent further spread of this serious infection.

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Changing Climate, Changing Candida: Environmental and Social Pressures on Invasive Candidiasis and Antifungal Resistance in Latin America

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Invasive fungal infections caused by Candida species are becoming increasingly common and dangerous in Latin American hospitals, with newer strains showing resistance to multiple antifungal drugs. Rising temperatures from climate change and widespread use of fungicides in agriculture appear to be selecting for these resistant fungi. Most hospitals in the region lack advanced diagnostic tools to quickly identify which fungal strain is causing infection, leading to delayed and sometimes inappropriate treatment. Implementing better diagnostic access, stricter antifungal use policies, and coordinated surveillance programs across the region could help control this growing public health problem.

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Neonatal Invasive Candidiasis: Current Concepts

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Serious fungal infections (candidiasis) in newborns have become increasingly difficult to treat, especially in developing countries. The types of fungi causing these infections have changed dramatically, with many now resisting the standard fluconazole treatment. Modern medical care, like proper handwashing, environmental cleaning, and careful line care, is actually more effective at preventing these infections than giving preventive antifungal drugs. Healthcare providers need better tools for quickly identifying which fungal species is causing infection and which drugs will work against it.

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Keep the Hospital Clean: Diagnostic Performance of Ten Different Molecular and Culture-Based Methods to Detect Candidozyma (Candida) auris

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This study tested different methods to detect a dangerous hospital fungus called Candida auris. Researchers compared growing the fungus on special plates and using molecular tests on patient samples. They found that molecular tests (qPCR) were most sensitive for detecting low levels of the fungus, while growing it on special plates worked well for higher levels. The best approach depends on whether a hospital is dealing with an outbreak or routine screening.

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