Invasive fungal infections

Baicalein as a potent antifungal agent against Candida albicans: synergy with fluconazole and sustainable production through probiotic-mediated bioconversion

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Baicalein, a natural compound from a traditional medicinal plant, is significantly more effective at fighting Candida albicans infections than its parent compound baicalin. When combined with the common antifungal drug fluconazole, baicalein creates a powerful synergistic effect that is especially useful against drug-resistant fungal strains. Scientists discovered that a beneficial probiotic bacterium, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, can efficiently convert the abundant baicalin into baicalein, providing a sustainable and safe way to produce this potent antifungal compound at scale.

Harnessing Aspergillus fumigatus for Sustainable Development: Biotechnological and Industrial Relevance

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Aspergillus fumigatus is a fungus commonly known for causing lung infections, but scientists have discovered it can be harnessed for environmentally friendly industrial processes. This fungus produces powerful enzymes useful in making biofuels, detergents, and textiles, and can even create tiny nanoparticles with antibacterial properties. By leveraging these capabilities while developing safer strains through genetic engineering, this fungus could play a major role in sustainable development and circular economy initiatives.

Addressing Critical Fungal Pathogens Under a One Health Perspective: Key Insights from the Portuguese Association of Medical Mycology

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Four dangerous fungal species pose growing threats to human health worldwide, especially for people with weakened immune systems. Portugal’s medical experts have reviewed the current situation, finding these fungi increasingly resistant to treatment, present in hospitals and the environment, and occasionally spreading from animals to people. The review emphasizes the need for better testing, coordinated tracking systems, and approaches that consider human, animal, and environmental health together to combat this emerging crisis.

Assessing the Validity and Impact of Remote Digital Image Reading in Fungal Diagnostics

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This study tested whether trained mycologists could accurately identify fungal infections from digital images viewed remotely, similar to how radiologists review X-rays. Five experienced laboratory professionals analyzed 474 images of different fungi with accuracy rates between 78-93%. The results suggest that remote digital diagnosis could help hospitals in developing countries where expert mycologists are scarce, enabling faster and more accurate diagnosis of serious fungal infections.

Isolation and identification of Fusarium species from the water systems of ICUs and transplant wards of hospitals and determination of the in vitro susceptibilities of isolates to conventional antifungals

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Researchers found dangerous Fusarium fungal species in water systems of hospital ICU wards in Tehran, Iran. These fungi can spread through water fixtures and pose serious risks to patients with weak immune systems. Testing showed that certain antifungal drugs like posaconazole and voriconazole worked well against these fungi, but other drugs were less effective. The study emphasizes the importance of better water management and safety measures in hospitals to protect vulnerable patients.

Risk factors for invasive fungal infections in adult patients with hematological malignancies and/or stem cell transplant: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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This comprehensive study analyzed multiple research papers to identify which patients with blood cancers or stem cell transplants are most likely to develop serious fungal infections. The researchers found that patients who previously had a stem cell transplant, those taking corticosteroids, and those with low white blood cell counts face the highest risks. Importantly, the study showed that using antifungal medications as a preventive treatment significantly reduces infection risk in these vulnerable patients.

Evaluation of Clinical, Microbiological Profiles and Management Patterns with Outcomes of Patients with Fungal Isolates in An Intensive Care Unit of A Tertiary Care Center: A Prospective Observational Study

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This study examined fungal infections in critically ill patients at a major hospital, tracking 120 patients and their fungal infections. Researchers found that diabetes was the most common risk factor, with most fungal infections occurring in urine samples and commonly caused by Candida tropicalis. The study revealed that many fungal strains were resistant to common antifungal drugs like fluconazole, suggesting that doctors need to carefully choose alternative treatments based on each patient’s specific infection type.

Prevalence and antifungal susceptibility profiles of Candida isolates among patients with candiduria: a multiplex PCR assay

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Researchers studied urinary tract infections caused by yeast (Candida species) in hospitalized patients. Using advanced molecular testing, they found that while the common yeast Candida albicans was most prevalent, other yeast species were increasingly showing resistance to antifungal medications, particularly to fluconazole. The study highlights the importance of identifying which specific yeast species is causing an infection to choose the most effective treatment.

Medical Mycology Education in Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Medical Schools

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This study examined how medical schools in southern Brazil teach students about fungal infections. The researchers surveyed 19 medical schools and found that while all schools include some mycology teaching, it is not offered as a standalone course and there are significant gaps in practical training, laboratory facilities, and instructor expertise. The study highlights that despite Brazil’s burden of serious fungal infections, future doctors are often not adequately prepared to recognize and manage these diseases.

Candida auris: Outbreak, surveillance and epidemiological monitoring in Northern Greece

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A dangerous fungus called Candida auris caused an outbreak in hospitals in Northern Greece starting in October 2022. This fungus is particularly concerning because it is resistant to many commonly used antifungal drugs, especially fluconazole. Researchers monitored and tracked the outbreak across multiple hospitals, finding that all cases belonged to the same genetic type (Clade I) and were treatable with certain alternative antifungal medications. The study emphasizes the importance of careful laboratory surveillance and coordinated infection control measures to prevent further spread of this serious infection.

Disease: Invasive fungal infections