Histoplasmosis – Page 2

Advancing Patient Advocacy in Mycology: Cultivating Collaboration in Education, Research, and Policy

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This paper highlights how patients with fungal infections and their caregivers are rarely included in discussions about healthcare policies and research funding, unlike patients with cancer or HIV. The authors argue that fungal diseases deserve more attention and resources, and that listening to patient experiences is essential for improving how these diseases are prevented, diagnosed, and treated. They propose that dedicated advocacy organizations, like the MyCARE Foundation, can help bridge this gap and ensure fungal infections receive the policy support and research investment they need.

Frequency and Distribution of Broncho-Alveolar Fungi in Lung Diseases in Martinique

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This study examined fungal samples from the lungs of over 1500 patients in Martinique using a special procedure called broncho-alveolar lavage. Researchers found that fungi were very common in respiratory samples, with specific types of fungi appearing more frequently in different lung diseases. For example, certain mold-like fungi were more common in patients with bronchiectasis (damaged airways), while yeast-like fungi were more common in patients with pneumonia. The findings suggest that tropical climate and environmental conditions significantly influence which fungi colonize the lungs.

Cracks in the Curriculum: The Hidden Deficiencies in Fungal Disease Coverage in Medical Books

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This study examined how well major medical textbooks cover fungal diseases, which kill millions of people annually. Researchers found that books focused on infectious diseases had much better information about fungal infections than general internal medicine textbooks. Most textbooks failed to adequately cover how to prevent fungal infections and diagnose them correctly, which could lead to delayed treatment and worse patient outcomes.

Discovery of novel targets for important human and plant fungal pathogens via an automated computational pipeline HitList

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Researchers created a computer program called HitList that searches fungal DNA to find new targets for antifungal medications. The program identified 16 promising protein targets that could be attacked by new antifungal drugs, including 8 completely new targets never before considered. This discovery could help develop new antifungal treatments to fight drug-resistant fungal infections in both humans and crops.

Airborne Fungal Spore Diversity Assessment Using Culture-Dependent and Metabarcoding Approaches in Bat-Inhabited Natural and Anthropogenic Roosts in Portugal

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Researchers studied fungal diversity in bat caves across Portugal using two methods: growing fungi in labs and analyzing DNA from air samples. They found over 280 different types of fungi, with some being common decomposers and others potentially harmful to human health. The study revealed that bat activity and human visits significantly influence which fungi live in caves, highlighting the importance of protecting these unique underground ecosystems.

Usefulness of Serum as a Non-Invasive Sample for the Detection of Histoplasma capsulatum Infections: Retrospective Comparative Analysis of Different Diagnostic Techniques and Quantification of Host Biomarkers

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This study examined whether using blood serum samples is practical for diagnosing histoplasmosis, a serious fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum. Researchers tested four different diagnostic methods on serum samples from patients with histoplasmosis, varying in severity and immune status. They found that combining multiple testing methods provided the best results, with different techniques working better depending on whether patients had weakened immune systems from HIV or were otherwise healthy. The study also measured immune system chemicals called cytokines and found elevated levels in infected patients, suggesting these could help predict disease severity.

Informing the World Health Organization Fungal Priority Pathogens List (WHO-FPPL): A collection of systematic reviews

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The World Health Organization created a priority list of dangerous fungal infections affecting millions of people globally each year. Experts reviewed 19 different fungal pathogens and ranked them by how dangerous they are and how much they need research and treatment development. The list identifies which fungal infections should get the most attention from doctors, researchers, and public health officials to improve patient outcomes and reduce deaths.

Musculoskeletal Manifestations of Disseminated Fungal Infections

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Fungal infections can spread to bones and joints, causing serious complications especially in people with weakened immune systems. These infections are tricky to diagnose because their symptoms are similar to bacterial infections or other diseases. Treatment typically involves antifungal medications and sometimes surgery to remove infected tissue. Early detection and aggressive treatment are crucial for better patient outcomes.

Diagnostic Capacity for Fungal Infections in Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria and Ghana – An Onsite Baseline Audit of 9 Sites

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Researchers audited laboratory facilities in 9 major hospitals (8 in Nigeria, 1 in Ghana) to see how well they could test for fungal infections. They found that most hospitals lacked basic equipment, trained staff, and proper procedures for fungal testing. This is a serious problem because fungal infections can be deadly if not caught early and treated quickly.

The Impact of the Fungal Priority Pathogens List on Medical Mycology: A Northern European Perspective

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Fungal infections affect over a billion people worldwide but are often overlooked in healthcare. The World Health Organization recently created a priority list of dangerous fungi to help doctors and researchers focus their efforts. This review discusses how this list can improve diagnosis, testing, and treatment of fungal infections across Europe, while also highlighting the need for better training and awareness among healthcare workers.

Disease: Histoplasmosis