hematological malignancies

Risk factors for invasive fungal infections in adult patients with hematological malignancies and/or stem cell transplant: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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This comprehensive study analyzed multiple research papers to identify which patients with blood cancers or stem cell transplants are most likely to develop serious fungal infections. The researchers found that patients who previously had a stem cell transplant, those taking corticosteroids, and those with low white blood cell counts face the highest risks. Importantly, the study showed that using antifungal medications as a preventive treatment significantly reduces infection risk in these vulnerable patients.

A prospective, multicenter study of invasive fungal disease caused by molds in children and adults in Chile

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Researchers studied serious fungal infections caused by molds in Chilean hospitals and found that aspergillus was the most common culprit, affecting both children and adults. Many patients with these infections were also suffering from COVID-19, showing how serious respiratory viruses can increase the risk of fungal complications. Good news: the study found no resistance to common antifungal medications in Chile yet, though overall survival rates remain concerning at around 60% at three months.

Polymerase Chain Reaction on Respiratory Tract Specimens of Immunocompromised Patients to Diagnose Pneumocystis Pneumonia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

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This study analyzed how well PCR tests detect Pneumocystis pneumonia, a serious fungal lung infection in immunocompromised patients. The research reviewed 55 studies with over 11,000 tests and found that PCR testing of fluid from the lungs or induced sputum works very well, especially at ruling out the disease when negative. However, positive test results need careful interpretation because the test can detect the fungus even when it’s just colonizing rather than causing active infection.

A prospective, multicenter study of invasive fungal disease caused by molds in children and adults in Chile

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Researchers in Chile studied serious mold infections in 176 hospitalized patients (adults and children) over two years. They found that aspergillosis (a lung infection caused by Aspergillus mold) was the most common, especially in patients whose immune systems were compromised by cancer, transplants, or medications. Interestingly, nearly 40% of cases also involved COVID-19 infection. Although almost all patients received antifungal medications, survival rates were concerning, with about one-third of patients still alive after six months.

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.

Trichosporon Urinary Tract Infections: A Hidden Menace Revealed

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Trichosporon is a fungus that causes urinary tract infections primarily in hospitalized patients and those with weakened immune systems. This review found that Trichosporon asahii is the most common species responsible for these infections, especially in patients with prolonged hospital stays or using immunosuppressive medications. The drug voriconazole works best against this fungus, while some common antifungal medications like amphotericin B are less effective. Accurate identification using modern laboratory techniques is crucial for proper treatment.

A human-relevant alternative infection model for mucormycosis using the silkworm Bombyx mori

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Scientists developed a new way to test antifungal drugs using silkworms instead of expensive and ethically problematic mammal studies. They infected silkworms with mucormycosis-causing fungi and found that the infections behaved similarly to human cases, especially when they simulated human risk factors like steroid use and iron overload. The silkworm model successfully demonstrated that existing antifungal drugs work, while also revealing differences in fungal virulence that were linked to specific surface proteins.

Molecular epidemiology, diversity, and antifungal susceptibility profiles of clinical and environmental mucorales: a five-year multicenter study in Iran (2018–2023)

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This study examined dangerous mold infections called mucormycosis that became more common during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in Iran. Researchers tested over 180 fungal samples from patients and soil to understand which types of molds cause infections and which antifungal medicines work best against them. They found that two medicines, amphotericin B and posaconazole, were most effective, while fungi from soil samples were often more resistant to treatment than those from infected patients. This research helps doctors choose the right treatments for patients with these serious infections.

Disease: hematological malignancies