Disease: Mycotic infections

Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii and Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum infections on tissue sections: Diagnostic pitfalls and relevance of an integrated histomolecular diagnosis

This research addresses the challenge of identifying two common fungal infections (cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis) when examining tissue samples under a microscope. The study found that these infections often look similar and can be confusing for pathologists. The researchers discovered that looking for specific fungal features, particularly ‘dented-looking’ yeasts, can help differentiate cryptococcosis from histoplasmosis. When standard laboratory tests on fresh tissue aren’t available, using molecular testing (genetic analysis) on preserved tissue samples can successfully identify the fungus in about 75% of cases.

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Larone’s Medically Important Fungi: A Guide to Identification, 7th Edition

This is a practical guidebook for identifying disease-causing fungi in medical laboratories. The 7th edition uses color-coding and organized illustrations to help laboratory technicians and doctors quickly identify fungi from patient samples. It includes information about emerging fungal pathogens and is designed to be used as a quick reference at the laboratory bench rather than a comprehensive textbook.

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mGem: Submarine mycology—an analog to astromycology

Scientists are studying fungi in submarines to better understand fungal health risks for astronauts in space. Both submarines and spacecraft are enclosed environments where fungi can grow, causing infections and other health problems. The same types of fungi found growing in submarines have been detected on the International Space Station. By learning from decades of submarine research, space agencies can better prepare for and prevent fungal-related health issues during long space missions.

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Advancing Patient Advocacy in Mycology: Cultivating Collaboration in Education, Research, and Policy

Fungal infections are a serious public health problem, but unlike cancer and AIDS, they lack strong patient advocacy movements to raise awareness and secure funding. This paper argues that patients with fungal diseases have important insights about their care needs that could help improve policies and research if their voices were heard. The authors propose establishing unified advocacy organizations, like the MyCARE Foundation, to bring patients, doctors, and policymakers together to better address this neglected health challenge.

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