invasive aspergillosis – Page 8

Efficacy and safety of isavuconazole for invasive fungal infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

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This study reviewed clinical trials comparing a newer antifungal drug called isavuconazole with other commonly used antifungal medications for treating serious fungal infections, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems. The research found that isavuconazole works just as well as other antifungal drugs but may have fewer side effects, especially liver problems. When compared directly with voriconazole, isavuconazole showed fewer drug-related side effects overall, making it a good alternative option for patients who cannot tolerate other antifungal treatments.

Phospholipase PlcH is involved in the secretion of cell wall glycoproteins and contributes to the host immune response of Aspergillus fumigatus

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Researchers discovered that an enzyme called PlcH helps a dangerous mold called Aspergillus fumigatus release protective proteins into its cell wall. These proteins help the fungus survive and evade the immune system. When scientists removed the gene for PlcH, the fungus became weaker and more vulnerable to both antifungal drugs and immune cells, suggesting PlcH could be a target for new antifungal treatments.

The cyclase-associated protein contributes to antifungal susceptibility and virulence in Aspergillus fumigatus

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Researchers found that removing a specific protein called CAP from a dangerous mold called Aspergillus fumigatus makes it much weaker and easier to kill with antifungal drugs. This mold normally causes serious lung infections in people with weak immune systems. The study showed that CAP helps the mold grow and resist medicines, and blocking it could be a new way to treat these dangerous infections.

The frequency distribution of Aspergillus section Nigri from clinical and environmental samples in Iran

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Researchers studied black mold species (Aspergillus section Nigri) found in hospitals and the environment across Iran. They identified eight different species and found that certain types like A. welwitschiae were more common in ear infections while A. tubingensis was more prevalent in soil and air. These findings are important because some of these molds cause serious infections in humans and understanding where they live helps doctors predict and treat infections.

BTK drives neutrophil activation for sterilizing antifungal immunity

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BTK is a protein that helps neutrophils (immune cells) fight fungal infections, particularly Aspergillus fumigatus. A cancer drug called ibrutinib blocks BTK, which weakens neutrophil antifungal responses and increases the risk of serious fungal infections. The study found that GM-CSF may help restore some immune function in patients taking BTK-blocking drugs, offering a potential strategy to prevent these dangerous infections.

Genome sequences of Aspergillus fumigatus strains isolated from wildfowl in Southern Ontario, Canada

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Researchers sequenced the genomes of four Aspergillus fumigatus fungi isolated from infected birds (an osprey, peregrine falcon, and two hawks) brought to wildlife rehabilitation centers in Ontario. This fungus causes a serious infection called aspergillosis that damages the lungs and air sacs of birds. The genetic information from these four strains is now publicly available for scientists studying how this fungus infects birds and how it resists antifungal treatments.

Antifungal stewardship in the UK: where are we now?

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This paper examines how well the UK is currently managing antifungal stewardship—the appropriate use of antifungal medications to treat serious fungal infections while preventing resistance. Experts found that since 2017, progress has been limited due to lack of funding and staff expertise, difficulties accessing timely fungal diagnostic tests, and disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. The panel recommends creating regional mycology networks and diagnostic centres, establishing national standards for antifungal practices, and improving education about fungal infections to better prepare the UK for rising fungal disease threats.

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

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Researchers tested an old antibiotic called nitroxoline against Aspergillus fungi that cause serious infections in immunocompromised patients. The drug works by removing zinc that the fungus needs to survive. The study found that nitroxoline was very effective against all tested fungal strains, including those resistant to modern antifungal drugs, suggesting it could potentially be repurposed as a new treatment option.

Breaking down biofilms across critical priority fungal pathogens: proteomics and computational innovation for mechanistic insights and new target discovery

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Fungal infections like cryptococcal meningitis and invasive aspergillosis are becoming increasingly difficult to treat because fungi form protective structures called biofilms that resist our current medications. Researchers are using advanced techniques like mass spectrometry to identify the proteins that help fungi build these biofilms, combined with artificial intelligence tools to design new drugs that could break down these protective shields. This combined approach offers hope for developing better antifungal treatments that could save millions of lives.

Co-transformation of Aspergillus fumigatus: a simple and efficient strategy for gene editing without linking selectable markers

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Scientists have developed a new technique for editing genes in a dangerous fungal pathogen called Aspergillus fumigatus. Instead of permanently attaching antibiotic resistance markers to the target genes (which can interfere with normal gene function), they use a clever strategy of introducing two different DNA pieces simultaneously. One piece makes the desired gene edit while the second introduces a resistance marker to a completely different location in the genome. This approach is simple, inexpensive, and works about 11% of the time, making it practical for identifying successfully edited strains.

Disease: invasive aspergillosis