invasive candidiasis – Page 5

Candida albicans Goliath cells pioneer biofilm formation

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Researchers discovered that Candida albicans produces giant-sized cells called Goliath cells when zinc is scarce. These oversized cells are extremely sticky and can cling to plastic surfaces like catheters even when exposed to blood flow. Once attached, they form thicker, more resilient biofilms that can seed infections into the bloodstream, making Goliath cells particularly dangerous in hospital settings where catheters are commonly used.

Reevaluating the Value of (1,3)-β-D-Glucan for the Diagnosis of Intra-Abdominal Candidiasis in Critically Ill Patients: Current Evidence and Future Directions

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This review examines how a fungal biomarker called beta-D-glucan (BDG) can help doctors diagnose yeast infections in the abdomens of critically ill patients. While BDG tests in the blood are available, they give many false positives. Testing BDG directly in fluid from the abdomen appears more accurate, especially when combined with blood tests. However, more research is needed before hospitals widely adopt this approach in daily practice.

Should all hospitalised patients colonised with Candida auris be considered for isolation?

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Candida auris is a dangerous yeast found in hospitals that can spread quickly between patients and is very difficult to treat. Healthcare experts in the Netherlands have decided that all hospital patients carrying this fungus should be isolated in single rooms, even if their strain is susceptible to antifungal drugs, because the infection can develop resistance quickly and cause serious illness. This strict isolation approach helps prevent outbreaks and protects vulnerable patients from developing life-threatening blood infections.

Multilocus sequence typing of Candida albicans isolates from wild and farm animals from southern Italy

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Researchers studied a fungal pathogen called Candida albicans found in farm and wild animals in Italy to understand how it spreads between animals and humans. They used genetic analysis to compare isolates from laying hens, wild boars, and lizards with samples from infected humans around the world. The results showed that animal isolates were genetically similar to human clinical samples, suggesting animals could serve as reservoirs for this infection. This research highlights the importance of monitoring fungal diseases in animal populations as part of understanding disease transmission between animals and people.

The efficacy of luliconazole and caspofungin on planktonic and biofilm of Candida albicans from different sources

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Candida albicans, a common yeast infection organism, can form tough protective structures called biofilms that resist antifungal medications. This study tested two antifungal drugs (luliconazole and caspofungin) against Candida in both regular form and biofilm form. The results showed that while these drugs work well against regular Candida cells, they are much less effective against biofilms, which require 15-171 times higher doses to be inhibited. The strongest biofilms came from vaginal infections, suggesting that different infection types may require different treatment approaches.

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.

Investigating the Increasing Azole Resistance in Candida Infections Among Critically Ill Patients: Experience From a Tertiary-Level Setup in North India

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This study tracked the increase in drug-resistant yeast infections in hospitalized patients in India from 2023 to 2025. The researchers found that common antifungal medications like fluconazole are becoming less effective, with resistance rates nearly doubling over the study period. The good news is that newer antifungal drugs called echinocandins remained highly effective. The findings highlight the need for better infection control measures and more careful use of antifungal medications.

Glycan microarray analysis of Candida-related antibodies in human and mice sera guides biomarker discovery and vaccine development

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Researchers used a special microarray technology to identify immune responses in blood samples from people infected with Candida yeast. They found that early infections trigger antibodies against certain sugar structures, while later infections produce different antibodies. Three specific sugar molecules showed promise as markers for diagnostic tests and vaccine development against dangerous yeast infections.

PTP1B deficiency in myeloid cells increases susceptibility to Candida albicans systemic infection by modulating antifungal immunity

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This research shows that a protein called PTP1B plays an important role in protecting the body against dangerous yeast infections caused by Candida albicans. When this protein is missing from immune cells, mice become much more susceptible to severe fungal infections. The study found that PTP1B helps immune cells called macrophages and neutrophils kill fungi effectively, and when it’s absent, these immune cells work poorly. This discovery suggests that targeting PTP1B could be a new way to help patients fight off serious fungal infections.

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.

Disease: invasive candidiasis