Invasive fungal infections – Page 8

Assessing Diagnostic Capabilities and Treatment Accessibility for Invasive Fungal Infections in the Balkan Region

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Researchers surveyed medical centers across 12 Balkan countries to understand how well-equipped they are to diagnose and treat serious fungal infections. They found that while most centers have basic laboratory tools like microscopes and cultures, advanced molecular tests for identifying fungal species are less common. Antifungal medications like triazoles are widely available, but other important treatment options are harder to find in the region.

Things you wanted to know about fungal extracellular vesicles (but were afraid to ask)

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Fungal extracellular vesicles are tiny particles released by fungal cells that play important roles in how fungi cause disease and how our immune system responds. These particles can either help fight infections or make them worse depending on the type of fungus and conditions involved. Scientists are discovering that these vesicles could potentially be used as vaccines and may explain why some antifungal drugs stop working.

Introduction to XIV updating course of antimicrobials and infectious diseases

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Healthcare professionals gathered at a major conference in Madrid to learn about the latest advances in treating infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria and other pathogens. The course highlighted new antibiotic combinations that work against previously untreatable infections, faster ways to identify infections in emergency rooms and intensive care units, and modern treatment strategies based on scientific evidence. Speakers emphasized the importance of using antibiotics wisely, using personalized medicine approaches, and collaborating between laboratory scientists and clinicians to improve patient outcomes.

Enhancing antifungal stewardship: The educational and healthcare benefits of involving pharmacy students in audits

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Researchers studied how involving pharmacy students in reviewing fluconazole (an antifungal medication) prescriptions could help hospitals improve their antifungal medication use and provide valuable training. Out of 145 prescriptions audited, about two-thirds were appropriate while one-third had issues like unnecessary use or drug interactions. Both the students and hospitals benefited significantly, with students gaining practical clinical experience while hospitals identified prescribing problems that could be improved.

Consecutive non-Aspergillus Fungal Invasive Infections in Chronic Granulomatous Disease: Data from the French National Reference Center for Primary ImmunoDeficiencies and literature review

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This study examines rare fungal infections in patients with Chronic Granulomatous Disease, a genetic disorder affecting the immune system. Researchers found that these patients develop various unusual fungal infections despite taking preventive antifungal medications. The infections are difficult to diagnose, often requiring surgical procedures, but can sometimes be cured through stem cell transplantation combined with intensive antifungal treatment.

Past, present and future of antifungals: Advancements in mechanisms of action and resistance

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Fungal infections are a growing global health problem, particularly for people with weakened immune systems, causing millions of deaths annually. Current antifungal medications are limited and increasingly ineffective due to drug-resistant fungi. This special issue explores new treatment strategies including novel drugs, combination therapies, and innovative approaches like nanoparticles and antimicrobial peptides to combat these serious infections.

Optimizing a modified cetyltrimethylammonium bromide protocol for fungal DNA extraction: Insights from multilocus gene amplification

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Researchers developed an improved method for extracting fungal DNA that is faster, cheaper, and safer than current commercial kits. The new protocol works by using a special chemical solution and simple crushing tools instead of expensive equipment like liquid nitrogen or bead beaters. They tested it on 40 different fungal species found in dry fruits and successfully identified them all using genetic markers, showing the method could help diagnose fungal diseases in plants, animals, and humans.

Detection of Mucorales antigen in bronchoalveolar lavage samples using a newly developed lateral-flow device

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Researchers developed and tested a new rapid test (TG11-LFD) for detecting mucormycosis, a dangerous fungal infection, using a simple device similar to a COVID rapid test. The test detects a specific protein marker released by Mucorales fungi in lung fluid samples. In testing with 62 clinical samples, the new test correctly identified about 77% of actual infections and was negative in about 76% of non-infected samples. This affordable, simple test could help doctors quickly diagnose mucormycosis and start life-saving treatment faster, especially in countries with limited laboratory resources.

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.

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 fungal infections