invasive aspergillosis – Page 7

Appearance of Environment-Linked Azole Resistance in the Aspergillus fumigatus Complex in New Zealand

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Researchers in New Zealand have discovered that a dangerous fungus called Aspergillus fumigatus is developing resistance to commonly used antifungal medications. Unlike previous cases where the resistance came from medical treatment, this new resistance appears to come from environmental exposure, possibly through garden fungicides that people can buy at garden centers. The study found that people, especially lung transplant patients, may be acquiring these resistant fungal strains from their surroundings rather than from hospitals, highlighting the need for better monitoring of agricultural fungicide use.

Liposomal amphotericin B prophylaxis in paediatrics: a systematic review

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This study reviews how a fungal medication called liposomal amphotericin B is used to prevent serious fungal infections in children with weakened immune systems, particularly those with blood cancers or who have had bone marrow transplants. The researchers found that this medicine prevents infections in about 93% of children, though it does cause side effects like low potassium levels in about 23% of patients. However, the study shows that current use of this medicine is quite varied and more high-quality research is needed to determine the best dosing approach.

Prevalence of fungi and their antifungal and disinfectant resistance in hospital environments: insights into combating nosocomial mycoses

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This study examined how fungal infections spread in hospital settings by testing air and surfaces in Iranian hospital intensive care units. Researchers found that dangerous fungi like Aspergillus and Rhizopus were commonly present, especially in air ducts, and many of these fungi could resist common antifungal medications and disinfectants. The findings suggest that hospital environments serve as sources of infection for vulnerable patients and that better cleaning and air filtration systems are needed to protect hospitalized patients.

Antifungal effect of soil Bacillus bacteria on pathogenic species of the fungal genera Aspergillus and Trichophyton

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Researchers discovered that four types of Bacillus bacteria found in soil can effectively kill dangerous fungi that cause infections in humans. These bacteria produce natural compounds that inhibit fungal growth even better than some standard antifungal medications. This discovery is particularly important because many fungi are becoming resistant to current drugs, making these soil bacteria a promising natural alternative for treating fungal infections.

Evaluating the Potential of Galactosaminogalactan as a Diagnostic Target for Invasive Aspergillosis

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Researchers developed a new test to detect Aspergillus fungal infections using an antibody that recognizes a fungal component called GAG. The test worked very well in mouse studies, reliably detecting the fungus in blood and other body fluids. However, when tested with samples from infected patients, the test could not find GAG in the blood or other fluids, though it could see the fungus in lung tissue. This suggests either patients don’t produce enough GAG in their bloodstream, or something in human biology interferes with detection.

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

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Researchers studied a 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 slower, caused less damage, and fewer infected mice died. This discovery suggests that blocking Sec2p could be a new way to treat these fungal infections.

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 fungal disease testing capabilities in major hospitals across Nigeria and Ghana. They found that most hospitals lack basic equipment, trained staff, and procedures needed to diagnose serious fungal infections like cryptococcal meningitis and invasive aspergillosis. The study highlights urgent needs for investment in laboratory infrastructure and personnel training to improve diagnosis of neglected fungal diseases in Africa.

ESCMID-EFISG Survey on Diagnostic and Therapeutic Capacity for Invasive Fungal Infections in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg: A Focus on High Azole Resistance

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This survey examined how well hospitals in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg can diagnose and treat serious fungal infections, especially in patients whose immune systems are weakened. The researchers found that while most hospitals have good access to testing and antifungal medications, some important tests are still missing, and many hospitals send samples to other facilities for testing, which can delay treatment. Since this region has unusually high rates of fungal infections that resist common antifungal drugs, improving access to advanced diagnostic tests is crucial for patient survival.

Inferring fungal growth rates from optical density data

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Scientists have developed a new mathematical method that allows doctors and lab technicians to measure fungal growth rates more accurately using simple optical density measurements. This approach doesn’t require expensive equipment or specialized knowledge, making it accessible to regular medical labs. The method could help doctors better assess how well antifungal drugs are working and detect resistant infections earlier.

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 essential zinc that the fungus needs to survive. The study found that nitroxoline was highly effective against all tested fungal strains, including those resistant to modern antifungal drugs, suggesting it could be a promising alternative treatment for serious fungal infections.

Disease: invasive aspergillosis