Mucormycosis – Page 5

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, which are particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems. The researchers found that while most hospitals can test fungal samples, not all have access to all necessary diagnostic tools, especially tests for detecting resistant fungi and identifying fungal co-infections. Many hospitals outsource their testing to other facilities, which can delay diagnosis and treatment, and some hospitals lack access to all recommended antifungal medications.

Odontogenic-onset mucormycosis: A case series from a tertiary care institute in North India

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This case series describes five patients from India who developed a serious fungal infection in their jaw and mouth after dental procedures. All patients had uncontrolled diabetes, which weakened their immune system and allowed the fungus to grow. The infection was treated with anti-fungal medications and surgery, and most patients recovered well. The study emphasizes the importance of keeping dental equipment sterile and managing blood sugar levels properly before dental work.

Estimated burden of serious mycoses in Poland

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This study reveals that Poland has a significant but underreported problem with serious fungal infections affecting thousands of people annually. The most common fungal infections are yeast infections like candidosis, while mold infections like aspergillosis are the most serious in immunocompromised patients. The research shows that current reporting systems severely underestimate the true burden of these infections, highlighting the need for better surveillance and diagnostic practices.

Isavuconazole: Need for therapeutic drug monitoring and CYP polymorphism testing

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A patient with a serious fungal infection of the sinuses caused by Rhizopus arrhizus received the antifungal drug isavuconazole. However, blood tests showed the drug was building up to dangerously high levels in her body. Genetic testing revealed she had a mutation that made her body unable to break down the drug normally. The doctors had to give her much smaller and less frequent doses while carefully monitoring her drug levels to keep her safe.

Data analysis of patients with positive mould or dimorphic fungal cultures from sterile sites

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This study examined 48 patients with serious mould and fungal infections at a South African hospital between 2014-2017. Most infections occurred in people with weak immune systems, especially those with HIV. The most common fungal type was Aspergillus. Even with appropriate antifungal medicines, one-quarter of patients died, highlighting how serious these infections can be.

Antifungal Policy and Practice Across Five Countries: A Qualitative Review

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This study examines how well five different countries handle invasive fungal infections through their healthcare policies and systems. Researchers found that while these infections affect millions of people globally, most countries lack comprehensive policies to diagnose, treat, and manage them effectively. Major issues include inadequate healthcare provider training, limited access to rapid diagnostic tests, and insufficient antifungal medications in some regions. The study recommends that countries develop better national strategies for preventing, diagnosing, and treating these serious infections.

Immunomodulatory functions of fungal melanins in respiratory infections

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Some dangerous fungi produce a dark pigment called melanin that acts like a cloak, protecting them from the body’s immune system. This review explains how melanin blocks multiple immune defenses, including suppressing warning signals to immune cells, preventing immune cells from engulfing and killing the fungi, and even absorbing harmful reactive molecules. Understanding these sneaky tactics could help scientists develop new treatments that strip away this protective cloak, making the fungi vulnerable to both the body’s natural defenses and antifungal drugs.

Diversity and bioprospecting activities of endophytic Fungi associated with different Egyptian medicinal plants

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Scientists studied fungi that live inside Egyptian medicinal plants and found that one type called Aspergillus terreus produces compounds with powerful healing properties. These compounds can fight harmful bacteria, reduce oxidative damage, and even kill cancer cells while being safe for normal cells. This discovery suggests that fungi living in medicinal plants could be valuable sources of new medicines, offering hope for developing new treatments for infections and cancer.

Awareness and perception of invasive fungal diseases among the Nigerian population

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This study found that very few Nigerians (only about 19%) are aware of serious fungal infections like candidiasis and aspergillosis, and most people don’t understand how dangerous these diseases can be. The researchers surveyed over 1,200 people and discovered that people with more education and higher incomes were more likely to know about these infections. The findings suggest that Nigeria urgently needs public health campaigns and education programs to help people recognize fungal diseases early so they can get proper treatment.

Healthcare-associated fungal infections and emerging pathogens during the COVID-19 pandemic

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, fungal infections became a major health concern, especially in hospitalized patients. Treatments for COVID-19, such as steroids and immunosuppressive drugs, weakened patients’ immune systems, making them vulnerable to serious fungal infections like those caused by Candida auris. Current antifungal medications have significant side effects and many fungi are developing resistance, so scientists are urgently seeking safer and more effective antifungal treatments.

Disease: Mucormycosis