invasive aspergillosis – Page 2

Clinical aspects and recent advances in fungal diseases impacting human health

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Fungal infections are increasingly common health threats affecting over a billion people worldwide, ranging from minor allergies to serious life-threatening infections. The biggest problems are that fungi are becoming resistant to current medications, diagnosis can be difficult and slow, and treatment options are limited. Recent developments include new antifungal drugs like ibrexafungerp and rezafungin that work differently from older medications, offering hope for treating resistant infections. Better awareness among doctors and patients, faster diagnostic methods, and responsible use of antifungals are essential to combat this growing public health challenge.

Fungal β-Glucans: Biological Properties, Immunomodulatory Effects, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications

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β-glucans are beneficial compounds found in fungi and some plants that help your body in multiple ways. They boost your immune system, lower cholesterol and blood sugar, protect against oxidative stress, and may help fight cancer and infections. Recent research shows they could be useful as diagnostic markers for fungal infections and as vaccine boosters, especially for diseases like COVID-19.

Beyond division and morphogenesis: Considering the emerging roles of septins in plasma membrane homeostasis and cell wall integrity in human fungal pathogens

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Septins are protein structures inside fungal cells that help them divide and maintain their outer layers. This review explains how these proteins play crucial roles in fungal infections by helping pathogens survive stress conditions and respond to host defenses. By understanding how septins work, scientists might develop new antifungal medications that target these proteins to fight stubborn fungal infections.

Breakthrough Invasive Mould Infections Under Posaconazole Prophylaxis in Patients With Haematologic Malignancies: A Case–Control Study

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This study examined cases where patients receiving posaconazole to prevent fungal infections still developed serious mould infections despite the medication. Researchers compared 29 patients who developed these breakthrough infections with 46 control patients who did not. They found that over half of patients with breakthrough infections died, compared to only 20% of controls, and that surgical treatment significantly improved survival for certain types of fungal infections.

Fungus-targeted nanomicelles enable microRNA delivery for suppression of virulence in Aspergillus fumigatus as a novel antifungal approach

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Researchers developed a new way to fight dangerous fungal infections caused by Aspergillus fumigatus by using tiny particles called nanomicelles to deliver genetic material (microRNAs) directly into fungal cells. These microRNAs target and reduce the production of melanin, a protective pigment that helps the fungus resist immune attacks. By weakening this defense, the fungal cells become more vulnerable to the body’s immune system and to stress, offering a novel approach to treat serious fungal infections that have become resistant to standard antifungal drugs.

Occurrence of Pathogenic and Allergenic Molds in the Outdoor and Indoor Environment of a Major Hospital and Molecular Epidemiology of Aspergillus fumigatus in Kuwait

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Researchers studied molds found in and around a major hospital in Kuwait over 17 months, collecting over 6,000 mold samples. They discovered various mold species, including some that can cause serious infections in hospital patients. Importantly, they found drug-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus strains both outdoors and inside the hospital, suggesting the environment may be a source of infection for vulnerable patients. The findings highlight the need for better monitoring and control of molds in hospital settings.

Invasive Fungal Infections in Orthotopic Heart Transplant Patients: Incidence and Risk Factors in the Modern Era

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This study examined fungal infections in heart transplant patients at Cleveland Clinic between 2010-2020. Researchers found that about 5% of heart transplant patients developed serious fungal infections, with Candida being the most common culprit. Patients with previous fungal infections, those who needed additional surgeries after transplant, and those requiring life support machines (ECMO) had the highest risk. Heart transplant patients with fungal infections had much worse survival rates, suggesting the need for better prevention strategies using antifungal medications.

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.

Roles of the Sec2p Gene in the Growth and Pathogenicity Regulation of Aspergillus fumigatus

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Researchers studied a specific gene called Sec2p in a dangerous fungus that causes serious lung infections in people with weak immune systems. By removing this gene, they found the fungus grew much slower, was less deadly to mice, and the infected animals survived longer. This discovery could lead to new treatments for fungal infections by targeting the Sec2p gene.

In Vitro Activity of Nitroxoline (5-Nitro-8-Hydroxyquinoline) Against Aspergillus Species

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Researchers tested an old antibiotic called nitroxoline against dangerous fungal infections caused by Aspergillus species. The drug works by removing important minerals like zinc that these fungi need to survive. Testing showed nitroxoline was very effective against these fungi, even against strains that had developed resistance to modern antifungal drugs. This suggests nitroxoline could potentially be repurposed as a new treatment option for serious fungal infections.

Disease: invasive aspergillosis