HIV/AIDS – mycolab.ai

Medicinal Mushrooms: Bioactive Compounds, Use, and Clinical Trials

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This comprehensive review examines how medicinal mushrooms contain natural compounds that can boost immune function, fight cancer cells, reduce inflammation, and protect nerve cells. Different mushroom species like reishi, shiitake, and maitake contain various active substances such as beta-glucans and triterpenes that work through multiple biological pathways. While laboratory and animal studies show promising results, more human clinical trials are needed to confirm effectiveness and establish safe dosing guidelines.

Indole-Based Compounds as Potential Drug Candidates for SARS-CoV-2

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Scientists are searching for new treatments for COVID-19 by studying indole-containing compounds, which are found in many plants and can be made in laboratories. Some approved drugs with indole structures, like the antiviral drug Arbidol, have been repurposed to fight COVID-19. Researchers are also designing new indole compounds and using computer simulations to predict which ones might work best against the virus’s key proteins.

Bibliometric analysis of traditional Chinese medicine for viral infections through immune modulation (2015–2025)

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This research analyzed over 3,300 scientific papers published between 2015-2025 to understand how traditional Chinese medicine helps fight viral infections by boosting the immune system. The study found that research on this topic has grown significantly, especially during disease outbreaks like COVID-19, with China leading in research publications. Key findings show that traditional Chinese herbal compounds work through multiple mechanisms including directly fighting viruses, reducing excessive inflammation, and enhancing vaccine effectiveness. The research points toward promising future applications of traditional Chinese medicine when combined with modern medical approaches.

Disseminated sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis with testicular involvement

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A 35-year-old homeless man with HIV developed a serious fungal infection caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis that spread throughout his body, including to his brain and testicles. A testicle lump was initially thought to be cancer and surgically removed, but it was actually a fungal infection. This is only the fifth case ever reported of this fungus infecting testicles. The patient was successfully treated with antifungal medications and remains healthy one year later.

The 2025 EQUAL Pneumocystis Score—an ECMM tool to measure QUALity in Pneumocystis pneumonia management

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Pneumocystis pneumonia is a serious lung infection that affects people with weakened immune systems, including those with HIV and transplant patients. Doctors use different guidelines to diagnose and treat this infection, but these guidelines are complex and can be hard to follow consistently. Researchers created a new scoring system called the EQUAL Pneumocystis Score that helps doctors follow the best treatment recommendations by assigning points for different diagnostic tests, medications, and follow-up strategies.

Emerging Infections Network Survey of Screening for Cryptococcal Antigenemia, United States, 2024

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Researchers surveyed infectious disease doctors across the United States about their use of a blood test (cryptococcal antigen screening) to detect a serious fungal infection in HIV patients before symptoms appear. Only about one-third to two-thirds of doctors regularly perform this inexpensive and accurate test, depending on the patient’s immune system status. Many doctors were unsure about the benefits and guidelines for this screening, suggesting that education and clearer guidelines could help more patients catch this dangerous infection early and receive treatment before it becomes life-threatening.

Disseminated subcutaneous sporotrichosis in an immunocompetent patient: A case report and a systematic literature review

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A 74-year-old man developed multiple infected lumps on his arm, wrist, and finger months after being injured by a tree branch. Doctors identified the infection as sporotrichosis caused by a fungus called Sporothrix schenckii using advanced genetic testing. He was successfully treated with itraconazole tablets for several months and completely recovered. This case is unusual because sporotrichosis typically affects people with weakened immune systems, but this patient had a normal immune system.

Mediastinal cryptococcoma as part of disseminated cryptococcosis in HIV-negative pregnant woman with Myasthenia Gravis: Autopsy case report

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A 29-year-old pregnant woman with myasthenia gravis, a condition requiring long-term immune-suppressing medications, died from a widespread fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus. Despite being HIV-negative, her weakened immune system made her vulnerable to this serious infection. An autopsy revealed the infection had spread throughout her body, including her heart, brain, lungs, and kidneys. This case highlights how fungal infections like cryptococcosis can affect people without HIV when their immune systems are compromised by other conditions or medications.

Photo Quiz: A cutaneous fungal infection with discordant biomarker results—a diagnostic challenge

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This case describes a woman with advanced HIV who developed a serious fungal infection called histoplasmosis affecting her skin, lungs, and lymph nodes. Diagnosis was challenging because standard fungal blood tests came back negative, but careful examination of samples and specialized testing confirmed Histoplasma capsulatum. The patient was successfully treated with antifungal medications, highlighting the importance of not relying solely on negative tests when clinical suspicion is high.

Emerging Infections Network Survey of Screening for Cryptococcal Antigenemia, United States, 2024

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This survey asked infectious disease doctors across the United States about their use of a simple blood test (cryptococcal antigen screening) for HIV patients. The test can detect a dangerous fungal infection weeks before symptoms appear, allowing for early treatment. However, the survey found that many doctors are not using this recommended test regularly, primarily because they are unsure about its benefits and are confused about screening guidelines.

Disease: HIV/AIDS