Onychomycosis – Page 4

Insight into the Skin Mycobiota of Myotis myotis: How Age, Sex, and Biometric Traits Correlate with Fungal Diversity

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Researchers studied fungal colonies living on the skin of Greater mouse-eared bats in autumn, discovering 39 different fungal species. Wing membranes had more fungal diversity than tail membranes, with males carrying more fungi than females. Interestingly, older male bats accumulated more fungal species, while older female bats showed less fungal diversity. The study found no trace of the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome, suggesting caves rather than bats may be the main source of this disease.

Evaluation of the DendrisKIT®DP for the Diagnosis of Superficial Fungal Infections

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Researchers evaluated a new rapid test called DendrisKIT®DP that can identify skin, nail, and hair fungal infections much faster than traditional methods. The test uses PCR technology combined with artificial intelligence to detect 13 different fungal species directly from patient samples in less than 48 hours, compared to traditional cultures that take up to 4 weeks. The test showed good accuracy with 84% sensitivity and 89% specificity, and when combined with traditional methods, provides a better overall diagnostic strategy for fungal infections.

The association of Yarrowia lipolytica with onychomycosis

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A 20-year-old woman had a persistent toenail infection that did not respond to multiple antifungal treatments. Researchers identified the cause as Yarrowia lipolytica, an unusual yeast that had never been found causing nail infections before. The yeast was resistant to several common antifungal medications, explaining why previous treatments failed. This case shows the importance of identifying the exact fungus causing an infection to develop effective treatment strategies.

The refractory nailbed ulceration caused by Candida parapsilosis after nail extraction

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An 82-year-old woman developed a stubborn wound on her toenail bed after having her nail surgically removed to treat an infection. When the wound did not heal for six months, doctors discovered it was caused by a fungus called Candida parapsilosis, which is normally found on skin but can cause infections when given the opportunity through wounds. After identifying the fungus, doctors treated her with an antifungal medication called fluconazole for three months, and her wound completely healed. This case shows the importance of testing chronic nail infections for their specific cause before performing surgery.

Emergence of resistant dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton indotineae: First case series in Thailand

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Doctors in Thailand have identified a new drug-resistant fungal infection caused by Trichophyton indotineae, a fungus that doesn’t respond to common antifungal medication terbinafine. Five patients were diagnosed with this resistant skin infection that caused rashes on various body parts and failed to improve with standard treatments. The research shows that a simple urease test can help doctors quickly identify this resistant fungus, and a different drug called itraconazole appears to work better for treatment. This is the first time this resistant fungus has been confirmed in Thailand, suggesting it is spreading globally.

Taxonomic revision of Bisifusarium (Nectriaceae)

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Scientists have identified and formally named 8 new species of Bisifusarium, a genus of fungi found in cheese, soil, and some human infections. Using genetic analysis and careful observation of fungal structures, researchers studied 116 fungal samples collected from around the world. This work more than doubled the known number of Bisifusarium species from 16 to over 24, providing clearer identification methods for future research in food science and medicine.

First Step on the Way to Identify Dermatophytes Using Odour Fingerprints

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Researchers have developed a new method to quickly identify fungal skin infections caused by dermatophytes by detecting the unique smells (volatile compounds) they produce. Instead of waiting days or weeks for culture-based tests, this approach uses advanced chemical analysis to create a fingerprint of the fungus based on its odor. The study analyzed 47 different dermatophyte strains and found that each species and even individual strains have distinctive chemical signatures, which could one day allow doctors to diagnose infections rapidly using portable devices similar to electronic noses.

Overexpression of efflux pump and biofilm associated genes in itraconazole resistant Candida albicans isolates causing onychomycosis

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Researchers studied why some fungal nail infections caused by Candida albicans stop responding to the antifungal drug itraconazole. They found that resistant fungal cells have higher activity of genes that pump the drug out of cells and produce slimy protective coatings called biofilms. These resistant fungi also formed less dense biofilms when the drug was present from the start. Understanding these resistance mechanisms could help develop new treatments by targeting the pump systems or breaking down the protective biofilm layers.

The association of Yarrowia lipolytica with onychomycosis

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A 20-year-old woman suffered from a persistent toenail infection that didn’t respond to several standard antifungal treatments over five years. Researchers identified the culprit as Yarrowia lipolytica, a rare yeast not previously known to cause nail infections. Testing showed this yeast was resistant to common antifungal medications the patient had received, explaining why previous treatments failed. This unusual case highlights the importance of properly identifying fungal pathogens and testing them for drug resistance before starting treatment.

Safety and efficacy of the swift microwave device in patients with mild-to-moderate onychomycosis: Protocol of an open-label, randomized, dose-finding pilot study

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Onychomycosis, commonly known as toenail fungus, is a widespread infection affecting millions of people. Current treatments often fail or cause side effects. This study tests a new microwave device that heats the infected nail to kill the fungus without harming surrounding tissue or causing systemic side effects. Researchers are testing three different treatment schedules to find the most effective approach.

Disease: Onychomycosis